He looked at Blaise and said, “We can still look at who she was with at RIA but, at the same time, we can look deeper into what’s happening on the mountain. Then we might tie it back to her.”
“I’ll get back with DEA and see if there is anything they can do to assist us,” Mitch promised.
“Can they get some dogs up there?” Patrick asked.
Shaking his head, Mitch said, “Not without probable cause or a search warrant.”
“Hell, if Grace knew this, she’d probably volunteer to take Gypsy up there,” Blaise moaned, “but I’ll be damned if I would let her anywhere near it!”
The others nodded their agreement. Marc, leaning his forearms on the table, speculated, “It’s got to be a connection between the Savine operation and her job at the Richland Airport. My money’s on Carter…or Preston.”
Luke responded, “I’ll dig deeper into the two of them.”
Looking over at Blaise, Jack asked, “Has she been back to RIA?”
He shook his head, answering, “She wants to go tomorrow. I’ll take her and be right there to see the reactions of the group when she walks in.”
*
Sitting in the counselor’s office, Grace turned to look out the window overlooking a park. The same park Blaise had found her in.
“What are you thinking?” Ms. Saren asked, after allowing Grace several minutes of silence to pull her thoughts together.
Glancing at the kind counselor, Grace smiled. “I was thinking back to when Blaise found me…right there in that park.”
“How does that make you feel?”
“I suppose it should make me upset thinking about how horrible my life had become after the accident.”
“There’s no right or wrong way to feel. You can own whatever feeling you’re having.”
Nodding slowly, Grace continued to smile. “Well then, it actually makes me happy. I don’t know what I did to deserve someone like Blaise. I’ve asked him what made him notice me. At first, I felt like one of the strays he picks up.”
“And now?” Ms. Saren prompted.
“Now I just feel that we were meant to be together. We…just seem to fit.” Her smile faded slightly as she turned her gaze back to the counselor.
“Well, he certainly seems to have helped you a great deal. I’ll admit I was a little worried at first that you were confusing a feeling of safety and being cared for with love.”
Grace’s eyes grew wide as she blushed. “I haven’t said I love him…well, not yet. I admit that’s what I feel and I assure you, it’s not just a rescue reaction. But…well…he hasn’t said anything and I’m not about to be the first.” Giving a little shrug, she added, “I’m willing to just see where we go.” Wanting to change the topic, she blurted, “What do you think of my memory from the airport?”
“It’s hard to say, but I’d guess that your mind is more ready to accept whatever happened that night.”
“I know Blaise is investigating…I can feel his frustration that he doesn’t know what happened to me yet.”
“Your mind may open up and allow you to discover the truth before he does.”
Nodding again, Grace responded, “I thought about that. I think, at first, I just wanted to know who I was and it was okay that he tried to figure out what happened to me. But, now that I remember me… and my past… I’m ready to remember what happened. I just wish that I could flip a switch and have it turn on, like a light.”
“You know it doesn’t happen that way, but take heart, Grace. From what I can see, your mind is healing and what you seek may be just around the corner.”
Chapter 27
Stepping through the doorway, Grace looked at the long familiar hall in front of her. “I remember this.”
Blaise, his arm protectively around her, glanced down. Her face was slightly pale but, other than that, she appeared eager. A door opened and Bernard walked out, his eyes sharply falling on the pair.
“Grace? Good God, it’s nice to see you!” Hustling toward them, the creases in his face deepened as he broke into a smile. Sticking his hand out, he grasped hers firmly. Eyeing Blaise, he added, “I see you found her.”
Blaise smiled, although he intently studied the man in front of him. Bernard appeared genuine, but he had not forgotten how quickly Grace was replaced—or that no one reported her missing.
Grace noticed Bernie’s eyes move to her forehead. Is this scar always going to be what people notice first about me? Forcing self-pity out of her mind, she returned his smile. “Yes, I’ve been found. I was in an accident and was recovering.”
“An accident?” Bernie said, his eyebrows lifting in apparent surprise. “But…but…you should have called us…let us know.”
“I was unaware of my surroundings for several weeks,” she replied, using the response she and Blaise had determined would be the best.
“Oh, I am sorry,” the older man said. He appeared to be wrestling with a decision as he rubbed his chin in thought. “We didn’t know. So, uh…your position was re-filled. But, under the circumstances, I can speak to HR and see when we can take you back on.”
“We’ll see,” she agreed noncommittally, glancing up at Blaise, smiling at his warm gaze meeting hers. “I’d like to go in and see everyone, if possible. Just to say hello.”
“Sure, sure. Of course,” Bernie nodded hesitantly, turning slowly. “I believe you know Carter Boren. He…he was hired after you…um…left.”
Looking up, she saw the blush cross her former boss’ face and almost felt sorry for him. At least I would if Blaise didn’t have me thinking of everyone as a possible suspect in wanting me harmed.
She remembered their conversation on the way to the airport—one she knew they needed but one she also hated.
“Grace, what you have to realize is that there is a very real possibility that someone you know was involved in whatever happened to you that night. You know you were driving back down the mountain with someone after you and they bumped your car with theirs.”
“Yes, but I have no idea who or why,” she huffed, the frustration still high.
“That is what we are trying to find out. We’re working with the FBI and DEA now that we suspect drug runners on the private airstrip up there. We’re working on the assumption that you were there with Gypsy for some reason.”
Incredulous, she glared over. “You know, Blaise, I might not be able to remember that night, but I know enough to realize that I’m a smart person. Why the hell would I take a drug-dog, at night, just to pay a social call to drug-runners?”
He sighed heavily and she knew her sarcasm was misplaced.
“I’m sorry, Blaise. It’s just hard.” He glanced at her, so she continued. “It was hard not remembering. Then it was hard realizing no one reported me missing. And now, coming to grips with all that, I have to be suspicious of everyone I used to know because it appears someone wanted me dead.”
He reached across and took her hand, lifting it to his lips, placing a sweet kiss on her fingers. “We’ll get them, babe. I promise.”
Her anger slid away, knowing how much he cared and was doing his best to protect her.
Jolted out of her thoughts, a wide door swung open to one of the baggage areas. The room was buzzing with activity as handlers made sure the luggage was heading in the right directions TSA and dogs were moving about.
Several people looked up as she walked into the room. Glancing around quickly, she breathed a sigh of relief as she recognized several faces. Two of the baggage handlers came jogging over.
“Miss Gracie! You back?”
Grinning, she was pulled into a hug. “Hey, Marcel. No, I’m just visiting.”
“We heard you left for another job. Where’d you go?”
“Um,” she stammered, “I was in an accident. That’s why I was gone.”
She watched in fascination as Marcel’s face morphed from happy to angry. His eyes narrowed as they glanced over her head to someone behind her. “That asshole Preston told
us you went somewhere else.”
Licking her lips, she shrugged. “Well, I didn’t. I just needed to heal.”
“Goddamn, mother-fu—”
“Grace?”
She turned around, seeing Carter standing there with his dog. Squeezing Marcel’s hand, she walked over to Carter.
“Hi,” she said, plastering a smile on her face.
Blaise observed the exchanges carefully. Carter did not appear shocked…but maybe surprised she was here.
“Um, wow,” Carter stammered. “It’s…um…good to see you.”
“It’s nice to be back.”
At her words, he said, “Back? You’re coming back?”
“Well, not right now, but—”
“Grace. Bernie just told me you were here.” Preston stepped through a side door and approached, his gaze jumping between her face and Blaise’s.
“Preston,” she said, cocking her head to the side, wondering how he would greet her.
Stepping forward, he nervously glanced to Blaise before looking back at her. “I heard you were in an accident. I’m sorry.”
“Well, it was a bit of a shock to hear that you told others that I had taken a different job,” she accused lightly, with a fake smile on her face.
Preston blushed as Carter’s gaze bore holes into his. “Yes, well, it seemed best. You know, so that people wouldn’t think you just walked out and quit.”
“It worked out well for you two, didn’t it?” Blaise interjected, his expression as hard as his tone.
Carter looked down at his feet, chewing on the inside of his mouth as Preston glared. Pretending to take a phone call, Preston walked away.
“I saw Jocelyn the other day,” Grace said, curious as to what Carter’s reaction would be after hearing about their awkward fling.
Grimacing, Carter’s gaze shot back to her face. Shaking his head, he responded, “What a bitch. I thought she was a friend, but she’s a piece of work.”
Her eyebrows rose, confusion on her face as she waited to see if more explanation was forthcoming.
“We got drunk one night and the next morning she was talking shit. I had applied for the job at the TSA in Charlestown airport. It’s little, but it was a job. You had this job lined up and she was working for her dad in Albert County. But the greedy bitch took the Charlestown job too. Hell, it’s not like she needs the money. Daddy keeps her in an apartment and a big ass car.” His hands on his hips, he shook his head. “Damn sorry about your accident, Grace. I mean, it’s no secret I wanted this job, but—”
A shout from across the large room was heard and, called back to work, Carter shot her a regretful look before walking away.
Back in Blaise’s SUV, she turned to him and said, “Okay, you’re the investigator. Tell me what you think.”
He pursed his lips for a moment, gathering his thoughts. It was hard to know what to say—Do I tell her all of my suspicions or allow her some peace. But, damnit, someone tried to kill her. “I think that any of those three in there could have had something to do with you going up the mountain. Whether or not you saw something, heard something, decided to explore something on your own…I don’t know. But there’s got to be a link.”
“If that’s true, then that means one of them was involved in the drug trade,” she thought out loud. She had not allowed herself to believe that a possibility, but she knew she needed to be open to any revelations. “Maybe I’ll start remembering more about that night, now that almost everything else has come back.”
*
Staring down at the new license in her hand, Grace slipped it into her new wallet. Smiling, she felt her independence growing every day as she gained pieces of her life back. Blaise had assisted in having her driver’s license replaced, but today would be her first solo drive.
“Are you sure?” he asked, walking into the kitchen to say goodbye before leaving to meet at Jack’s. He had taken her out for drives, to make sure she remembered how to drive as well as the laws, and she had passed with flying colors. Somehow that seemed easier than having her drive by herself.
“It’s only a few miles,” she pouted when she saw his expression. “I’ll be fine and I promise to take care of your old truck.”
“I don’t give a fuck about that heap, but this’ll be the first time you’ve driven by yourself since the accident.”
Her face softened, looking up into his concerned one. Gifting him with a small smile, she nodded, “I’ll be fine. I’ve got to start somewhere.” Her fingers moved across his smooth cheek, once more astonished at the handsome man who had rescued her.
He pulled her in, wrapping his arms in an enveloping hug. Kissing the top of her head, he admitted,” I just worry, babe.”
“I know…that’s why I love you.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she stopped breathing. I didn’t mean to say that…not now…not like this. Oh, God, he’s going to think I’m some kind of clingy nutcase—
“You love me?” he asked, pushing her body back slightly so he was able to peer into her face, his eyes searching hers.
“I…didn’t mean…” Blushing, she felt her face grow hot, her body taut.
A slow grin curved the corners of his mouth until he was full-out smiling. Looking up at him, her heart pounding, she pulled in her lips. Please, God…let the floor open up now.
“I love you, too,” he admitted, his smile now lighting his face.
“Wha…what?” she breathed.
“I knew it a while back, babe. I just couldn’t rush you. Not when you had no idea who you were. I needed to give you time to discover you…before I could ask you to discover us.”
“You love me too?” she whispered again, almost afraid the words were a dream.
He leaned down, his lips almost touching hers, his breath warm across her face. “Yeah, I do. Grace Marie Kennedy. I love you.”
Throwing her arms around his neck while lifting to her toes, she captured his lips. Sealing, searing, white-hot kiss. Taking over, Blaise angled his head, dipping his tongue into her mouth, tasting cinnamon sugar. Grinning at Grace’s love of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for breakfast, he relished her flavor.
After a moment, he slowly pulled back, her arms unwilling to let him go. Gifting a little kiss on the corners of her mouth before leaning up again, “Oh, girl, I wanna take you upstairs, lay you down on the bed, and not come up for air until tomorrow.”
“Can’t we?” she murmured, her kiss-swollen lips still tingling.
Just then a horn sounded from outside. Sighing, they separated, gazes still holding fast. “Marc’s here,” he said. Adopting a stern expression, he ordered, “Now, be good and be safe today out on the road.”
Smiling, she watched as he walked through the front door, down the steps and over to Marc’s truck. Lost in thought, she was not sure which she liked more—the way his ass looked in his jeans as he walked away…or the way he swaggered confidently when he came home. Deciding both were equally delectable, she jumped when Marc honked again. Caught ogling, she blushed as she waved at the retreating vehicle.
Looking down at the dogs, she said, “Okay, guys, let’s get everyone fed.”
Hours later, sitting on a back deck chair with her feet up, Grace snoozed in the warm, early afternoon sun. Gypsy and Ransom lay at her feet also enjoying the warm day. She and Gypsy were heading out to the nursing home later, but for now, she allowed her mind to clear and the gentle breeze to carry her worries away.
Faces swam in front of her…Bernie, Preston, Carter, Jocelyn, Douglas, her parents, the K-9 training center, RIA, Blaise…
I’m going up…curvy roads…but beautiful vistas. Where are they going? The radio was playing. Dusk was falling. It was hard to see the driveways between the trees. Where did they go? Did I lose them?
Taillights ahead, barely glowing red, turning left between tall trees. Gypsy’s eyes stared back at me through the rearview mirror. What am I doing, girl?
I turned. The night had settled. I circle
d my car around before parking near the dark house so I would be able to drive out easier. What is this place? The only vehicle in sight is a large, white SUV parked next to the house.
Gypsy is barking, clawing to get out. I open the door and she bounds out, running around the house. I can’t see her. I shout a command and she reluctantly comes back to me, still agitated.
She never gets this way unless…there are drugs around. Why are they here? Who are they meeting?
A shout. A gunshot. Gypsy runs to me, standing in front protectively. Shit, shit, shit, I scream. Turning, I make it to my car. Another shot rings out. Oh, Jesus, help me.
I throw open my door, shouting for Gypsy to get in. Gunning the engine, I race down the driveway, the darkness and curves keeping me out of sight of the shooter.
Racing, racing, racing…noooooo!
Jolting awake, Grace felt the pressure of weight on her chest. Pushing desperately to scramble from the chair, she tumbled to the ground, the weight now off but licking her face. Gypsy. Oh, thank God.
Continuing to lie on the deck, her dog anxiously nuzzling her, she sucked in air as her erratic breathing slowed.
I did go up on the mountain. Gypsy knew there were drugs. But why did I go there? What made me suspect something? Who was I following? Why can’t I pull up a face…or even a body?
Finally, with no more answers coming, she gently pushed Gypsy and Ransom to the side. Standing, she debated on what to do. Glancing at her watch, she knew she had little time before meeting Bethany at the nursing home.
“Come on, Gypsy. Let’s go make some people happy.” Locking up, she opened the squeaky driver door, allowing the dog to jump in. “In the back,” she ordered, smiling as Gypsy jumped over to the area just behind the bench seat.
Remember Love: Saints Protection & Investigations Page 22
