by Terri Reed
“What happened?” Blake’s concern shone on his face.
“We need an ambulance.” Audrey explained what had transpired.
Blake’s eyes darkened with anger. “How could this happen?” He barked out orders for other agents to secure the building and call in the crime-scene technicians.
Drew sat on the tailgate of an SUV with Sami secure in his arms. She’d awakened but still appeared weak from the gas.
Nathanial cupped Audrey’s elbow and tugged her out of earshot of the others. “You shouldn’t have taken off like that.”
“Excuse me?” She drew back from him. “One of us had to go after the perp.”
She was right and he knew it, yet he couldn’t shake the dread that had taken up residence in the middle of his chest. If something had happened to her...
He couldn’t bear the thought. Wow. He had it bad. And she wasn’t the one who wanted or needed protection, but he couldn’t help feeling protective. He was letting his feelings for her affect his judgment. He needed to put some distance between them, to give himself some space to figure out exactly what he felt for her.
And then he’d have to decide what to do about it.
* * *
Audrey tamped down the irritation crawling up her neck as she watched Nathanial striding away. He stopped to check on the Kelleys. She knew Nathanial well enough to know he wanted to protect her. He was that kind of guy. Protecting others was second nature to him. But she was a deputy sheriff, and running toward danger was a part of her.
For as long as she could remember, she’d been the one to step in to break up fights on the school yard, the first one to defuse volatile situations. Going into law enforcement had fit perfectly with her personality. She was good at her job. And if Nathanial couldn’t see or accept that, then there was no future for them.
Her stomach knotted. Future? With Nathanial?
Did she want one? Her heart rate ticked up, and she took an involuntary step back. Maybe. She didn’t know. There was still so much unresolved in his life. And there were issues she needed to face. Like did she trust him not to break her heart?
That was a no-brainer. Of course she did. He was a man of integrity and honor. But what would she have to give up to forge a life with him?
Her job? Her plans to become sheriff? Her country?
Much more than she was willing to sacrifice. No. A future with Nathanial wasn’t possible. More than a boundary line separated their lives.
The jangle of her cell phone was a welcome distraction. She glanced at the screen. Her mom. No doubt Mom was wondering where she was and if she were okay. Audrey hadn’t checked in for a few days. She pressed the talk button.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Listen carefully and don’t say a word,” a man’s deep voice intoned into Audrey’s ear.
Her stomach dropped, as if the earth had given way beneath her feet. Her hand tightened around the phone pressed to her ear.
“If you want to see your mother alive again, you bring Longhorn to her cottage. You tell anyone, and I’ll know. And then your mother will die.”
The caller clicked off. Silence echoed inside her head.
Her mother was being held hostage.
By a man whose voice Audrey recognized.
FIFTEEN
“We can reconvene at the IBETs headquarters,” Blake said. “I don’t want to conduct interrogations out in the field. I’ll need to study the schematic to ascertain those who would have been in position to have a clear view of the back alley.”
Nathanial wanted answers now but understood Blake’s concern. Questioning the other officers and agents on the fly could lead to confusion and show their hand before they were ready. “Any word on Chase or Luke?”
Bleakness entered Blake’s eyes. “No. Nothing. No trace of where they are or what happened to them.”
“We have to check the docks.” Nathanial hated to think that the two men were floating in the ocean as he’d been. Thankfully he’d washed ashore and had been rescued by a beautiful golden-haired deputy.
He could only pray Chase and Luke were as equally blessed to not only survive but be rescued.
Though he doubted anyone could top Audrey as a rescuer. His gaze slid to where she stood on the sidewalk next to the building with her phone in her hand. Though the day was overcast, her blond hair brightened up the gloomy weather.
But her pale, stunned expression wasn’t what he’d expected to see. His stomach lurched. Something was wrong. He hurried to her side.
“Audrey?”
She lifted her blue gaze to his as she disconnected the call. Her pupils were blown wide. Her breathing came in small gasps. “They have my mom.”
“What? Who?” He gripped her shoulders. “Talk to me.”
She shook her head. “Not here. Will you come home with me?”
He tilted his head. “Tell me what’s happening. How can I help if I don’t know what’s wrong? Who is they?”
Her gaze darted left and right as if afraid someone would overhear their conversation. “It’s not safe to talk here.”
Grabbing his arm, she tugged him into the shadows between two buildings. “I received a call from my mom’s phone. Only it wasn’t her. The man on the other end said he’d kill her if I don’t bring you to the cottage.”
The air swooshed out of his lungs. Will you come home with me? Did she mean to trade him for her mom? No. She wouldn’t do that. She wanted his help. There was no mistaking the pleading in her eyes. It took a second for him to catch his breath. “Let’s not panic. We’ll get Drew and Blake and head to Calico Bay.”
“No.” She clutched at his arm. “He said we had to come alone.”
“They always say that,” he said.
“Listen to me,” she demanded. “He said he’d know if we told anyone.”
Nathanial frowned. “Did he identify himself?”
“He didn’t have to,” she said, her voice shaking. “I know who it is. I know who betrayed you.”
He stilled as alertness stole over him. “What are you saying?”
“Nathanial, it was Chase.”
He rocked back as if someone had slapped him. “Wait. You’re saying Chase is the one who called you threatening your mother?”
“It was him. I’m certain. He’s the one working for Kosloff.”
Nathanial reeled from the news. That day in the sheriff’s office had been a charade—Chase’s show of rage and grief, blaming Nathanial for two deaths, had been an act, and he’d had his own men killed. Had he been the man on the rooftop? The man who’d repeatedly tried to kill Nathanial?
“We have to tell Blake,” Nathanial insisted. “We’ll leave the Kelleys out of it. Thanks to the toxic gas, Sami’s in no condition to deal with this. And we’re going to need help to get your mother back.”
Audrey took a shuddering breath. “I agree. My great-uncle and the others will help us. But I’m not sure telling Blake is a good idea. If Chase has more traitors working with the IBETs team, he’ll know if we talk.”
Nathanial shoved a hand through his hair. “We have to get Blake away from here so we can talk to him.”
“How?”
“I’ll tell him my head is killing me,” he said, which wasn’t too far from the truth. He indeed had a splitting headache. “I’ll ask him to take us to the hotel. We’ll explain on the way.”
“What if...if he’s with Kosloff? He and Chase seemed tight.”
Nathanial’s mind rebelled at the thought of Blake being dirty. No way. He took Audrey’s hands in his. “We have to trust someone. Everything inside me says Blake is a stand-up guy.”
“I’m sure everyone thinks the same of Chase.”
She had a point. But they needed assistance getting back to Calico Bay. Not to me
ntion support, weapons, ammunition and manpower. Yes, Sheriff Crump and his deputies would be useful, but Nathanial doubted they had the experience to tackle a situation like this one.
The photo from Blake’s wedding surfaced in Nathanial’s mind. He’d trusted Blake in the past. He had to put his life, and those of Audrey and her mother, in his hands now. It would take a leap of faith. “Pray with me,” he said to Audrey. “Pray that God will guide us and guard us and your mother.”
She nodded and tugged him closer. “Dear Father in Heaven, please hear our prayer. We ask for Your wisdom, Your guidance and safety for my mom. For us as we rescue her.”
Nathanial nodded his agreement and gave her a reassuring smile that they would succeed in rescuing her mother. Now that they knew who the bad guy was, they could put an end to this nightmare.
They found Blake giving orders to pack up and return to the IBETs headquarters in Washington, DC.
“Hey,” Blake said as they halted at his side. “We’re heading out. I’ll have Phillips drive you to the hotel to pick up your stuff and then take you to the airport.”
“No,” Nathanial said. “We need to go with you.”
He frowned. “I’m staying to wait for the crime-scene techs.”
“Let Phillips do that,” Nathanial said, holding his gaze steady and trying to convey the necessity through his stare. “We need you to take us to the airport. It’s important.”
Blake cocked his head then nodded slowly. “Okay.”
Nathanial was a bit surprised by Blake’s easy acceptance and grateful for it as well. He and Audrey climbed into the black SUV to wait for Blake as he gave Agent Phillips instructions. A few moments later, Blake joined them in the vehicle and slid behind the steering wheel. He remained silent as he fired up the engine and drove away from the harbor area.
“Explain,” he said finally.
Nathanial nodded to Audrey. This was her story to tell. She quickly laid out the details of the call.
Blake pulled the SUV to the side of the road. “Let me get this straight. ATF agent Chase Smith is involved with Kosloff? He’s holding your mother hostage?”
“Yes.” Nathanial felt Blake’s upset all the way to the soles of his feet. “It’s mind-blowing.”
“It’s ridiculous,” Blake stated.
“I know it was him on the phone,” Audrey insisted. Nathanial folded his hand over hers, offering her his support. He believed her.
Blake started driving again. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
Two and half hours later, they rolled into Calico Bay. The sky was clear. Clumps of snow lined the streets. The Christmas decorations on the storefronts were a mockery of the anxiety filling Nathanial as they halted in the back parking lot of the sheriff’s department.
The last time Nathanial had been here, the generator had blown up and men with guns had tried to kill him. He’d survived thanks to the woman at his side. Their trek through the tunnels to the cliffs would forever be ingrained on his brain.
Audrey jumped out and hurried inside the station. Nathanial and Blake followed in her wake. Before stepping inside, Blake put a hand on Nathanial’s arm, halting him. “You trust this woman?”
“Funny, she asked me the same thing about you.” Nathanial stared at the man he’d once called friend. “I trust her with my life. Just as I’m trusting you with all of our lives.”
An interesting array of emotions crossed Blake’s face. “When this is over, you have to come to Hilton Head. Liz will want a full accounting and to make sure for herself you’re okay.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “But first let’s put an end to this ordeal. Kosloff and his minions are going down.”
* * *
Nervous energy buzzed through Audrey’s body, making it difficult for her to concentrate. A state she’d never experienced before. Nothing had prepared her for the fear of losing her mother to some psychotic rogue ATF agent and his Russian arms-dealer boss. She paced a short path inside her great-uncle’s office as he, Nathanial and Blake strategized how best to execute a rescue of her mother. She listened, but her heart was busy praying.
She’d never had her faith tested so greatly before. She wanted to rail at the sky, shake her fist and ask God why He’d allow her mother to be put in such a dangerous situation.
But Audrey knew that God wasn’t at fault. He gave men free will to do good and evil. But God also gave strength and protection to His people.
She clung to the verse running through her head. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
“What do you think, Audrey?”
Nathanial’s question snapped her to attention. “I’m sorry?”
He held out his hand. She closed the gap between them, slipping her hand into his.
“I want to know what you think of the plan,” he said.
His dark eyes searched her face. She flushed as she realized she had no idea what they’d decided. That was so unlike her. Usually she had to be in control, the one calling the shots. But she was letting Nathanial take the lead. She was putting her trust and her life into his hands. “Can you run the plan by me again?”
“I approach the cottage from the front. Make sure they see me coming. I will distract whoever’s inside so that you, Blake, Sheriff Crump and the deputies can enter through the back and rescue your mother.”
Dread clamped a steely hand around her throat. “You’ll be vulnerable to an attack.”
“Yes. Can’t be helped.” He squeezed her hand. “This is happening because of me. I need to end this.”
“No. I won’t allow you to walk directly into the line of fire,” she said in a strangled voice. She felt as if her throat were collapsing on itself.
“The priority is your mother.” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch gentle and electric. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
He was so generous and brave. His courage gave her the motivation she needed to pull herself together. She squared her shoulders with determination. “You’re not going in alone. I’ll have your back, while Uncle David and Blake rescue Mom.”
“Thank you. But—”
She placed her finger firmly against his lips. “No but.”
His gaze softened and filled with something that made her heart pound and her blood race.
Despite the grim circumstances and the fear crowding her, Audrey realized how deeply she’d come to care for this man as she found strength in his dark gaze.
“Okay, now that that is settled,” David said. “Agent Fallon and I will organize the troops. Audrey, take Officer Longhorn to the equipment room for a flak vest.”
“Yes, sir.” Keeping hold of Nathanial’s hand, she led him to the back of the station, where they kept extra equipment.
They entered, but before she could reach for a flak vest, Nathanial tugged her close. The room was cold, but pressed up against Nathanial, she felt warmed from the inside out.
He cupped her cheek. “Whatever happens today, I want you to know that I—”
Flutters of excitement made her hold her breath. “You?”
“Am thoroughly, totally in love with you,” he said. Then he kissed her.
Shock from his words vied with the magnificent sensation of his mouth moving over hers, chasing away the gnawing little voice that warned her not to believe it. Hadn’t she made the mistake before of buying into a charming man’s declaration?
But this was Nathanial. And, oh, his kiss made her knees weak. He was a good man. An honorable man.
A man willing to sacrifice his life for her mother’s safe return.
A declaration born out of desperation and fear couldn’t be trusted. She broke the kiss and
stepped back. Her head was reeling, her heart groaning with longing and need. But she had to be smart.
“You are not going to die today. I forbid it. And when this is over, then...” Then what? She didn’t know. Couldn’t see beyond the immediate need to rescue her mother.
She grabbed a flak vest from the rack and shoved it into his chest. “Put this on. I’ll get you a weapon.”
“I have Drew’s Glock still,” he said as he donned the vest, his expression unreadable.
“Good.” She opened a cabinet and took out a bolt-action Remington 700 sniper rifle used by police departments all across the United States. She grabbed a box of ammo. Catching the incredulous expression on Nathanial’s face, she arched an eyebrow. “What? You’re not the only one who can do overwatch.”
He barked out a laugh. “You are a treasure, Deputy Audrey Martin.”
“And don’t you forget it.” She walked out with the rifle tucked under her arm.
* * *
Nathanial held up his hands as he approached the front of the Martin cottage. He’d parked Blake’s SUV at the end of the driveway. The sound of the nearby ocean drowned out the thrumming of blood in his ears. The place looked like something right out of a Thomas Kinkade painting.
A cobblestone path led to a large wooden door, where a green wreath sporting a red bow hung in welcome. The eaves were dusted white, and little colorful Christmas lights peeked through, reminding him that tomorrow was Christmas Eve. A fully trimmed tree with lush boughs dominated the front window and kept him from seeing inside.
But that didn’t mean those inside couldn’t see him. He prayed they couldn’t see Audrey. Even though he couldn’t see Audrey’s perch, he could feel her gaze as surely as if she were standing beside him. She had his back. She’d had his back from the moment he’d washed ashore on the beach.
He stopped at the foot of three stone steps. “I’m here. Let Dr. Martin go.”
The front door opened. A man hung back in the shadows of the darkened house. “We’ll let her go when we’re ready. Come in.”
