“No,” Josh said harshly. “Not yet. Please?”
“Okay,” she answered, moving closer.
Josh took in a long deep breath, closing his eyes again and tucking his knees under his chin.
Dropping down his head, Josh wrapped his arms around his legs while Nina wrapped her arms around him.
“I know why my dad’s trying to kill me, Nina,” he finally said grimly.
“Why, Josh?”
Looking up, his eyes met hers. “Because when I was a kid, I saw him murder my mom.”
Nina gasped.
And Josh drew in a ragged breath.
* * *
Nina sat at the kitchen island the next morning along with Josh and Jake waiting for the Crystal Rock Police Chief to appear.
“There’s no statute of limitations on murder,” Jake was telling Josh. “But the problem is you weren’t even ten years old and there’s probably no traceable evidence to prove what you saw.”
“Yeah. And I don’t know if anyone noticed she was missing besides me,” Josh answered. “Dad just told everyone that she left him.”
“I’ve contacted the New Orleans police. Maybe there was a Jane Doe unaccounted for back then, but the problem is because of Hurricane Katrina, a lot of those records were destroyed.”
“So, maybe that’s not the reason he’s after me?”
Jake shrugged. “I don’t know, Josh. Heck, your dad isn’t right in the head. Maybe he feels you’re a threat—you probably have a lot more information stored in that mind of yours then you even remember. It’s not exactly a secret that you’ve made something of yourself, and he could be thinking with all you know, it’s just easier to eliminate you.”
“Yeah, I guess I could see that,” he answered.
Jake looked at Nina worriedly, before saying more. “I did have one more thought?” Jake sighed. “Remember the trafficking ring I told you about years ago?”
Josh looked puzzled. “Yeah?”
“We’ve been regularly rounding up everyone who was involved. But several years ago, we discovered that one of the main players was living in New Orleans.” Jake paused. “And he’s never been captured.”
“I might have seen him?”
“Something that’s always bothered me is how easily my security here at Dragonfly Pointe keeps getting breached. It takes someone with a lot of connections to manipulate my network. I’ve got some of the best people in the world working with me, since I still consult as a special agent for the FBI.”
Nina started. “Really? I never knew that Jake.”
His smile was wry. “It’s not a deep, dark secret, but I don’t go out of my way to broadcast it. Why do you guys think I travel so much?”
“Because of all the hotels you own?” Nina asked.
“Nope. I have management people who do that. I’ve hired some great people and I’ve learned how to delegate well.”
The three went quiet as they drank their coffee.
Josh finally spoke. “So, you think there might be more in my mind about the past that I’ve been blocking?”
“Yep. And who knows, you may never remember anything else than you already have,” Jake said grimly. “But for now, let’s take care of the current problem. If you could see, I’d have you go through those notebooks and have you try and remember some of the individuals you’ve drawn in those pictures. There’s a lot of sketches of other things though, like kids at school and at the beach, along with quite a bit of personal stuff. Nina could describe some of the people and places for you, but I doubt it would help if you never looked back.”
“What next?” Nina asked.
Jake shrugged. “We fill out a report with Sam when he gets here, and then we continue with our plans.”
“Alright,” Josh answered. “I’ll do whatever you think is best, Jake.”
Chapter Sixteen
A week and a half later, it was the day of the charity banquet and auction, and Josh found himself walking around with Ralph inside the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. After eating breakfast here earlier, Nina had been swept off by Danielle Loughlin to begin getting dressed for the formal occasion, and was having her hair and makeup done.
After following Luke and Jason Matthews around for a few hours while they studied the items available for auction, Josh decided to go sit outside on the patio before getting dressed since more people were arriving. The noise from the crowd was beginning to give him a terrific headache.
When Josh entered the breezeway with Ralph, there was voice at his ear as an arm wrapped tightly around his neck. Whoever it was appeared to be wearing some kind of uniform and was digging a sharp serrated knife into his throat.
“Hello, Son. I’ve got Rex following the girl,” he muttered. “Imagine what’s going to happen to her if you don’t do exactly what I say.”
Ralph began to growl.
“And shut that dog up, or I’ll shut him up for you.”
Josh motioned with his hand. “Ralph. Sit, stay.”
Ralph obeyed, and Josh sighed. Of course, John Turner had figured it all out. He’d most likely been watching him and Nina since they’d arrived at the banquet, and knew the setup today was probably a trap. After all, Dad had gone twenty-five years without being caught until Jake Loughlin had successfully hauled him in. Hopefully, the army lieutenant whose uniform had been stolen by dear old dad wasn’t a casualty of events.
“I’ve decided to make it look like an accident,” his father muttered. “I’m sick of being hounded by the cops. We’re going down to Dragonfly Pointe, and we’ll be climbing Crystal Rock.”
He started pushing Josh forward. “We’re going outside, side by side, just taking a walk. Remember, if you fight me on any of this, I’m making a call.” He laughed harshly and somewhat maniacally. “Imagine what’ll happen if Zeke gets his hands on her.”
“Damn it—alright. You don’t see me arguing, do you?” Josh answered grimly.
John Turner opened the door leading outside, and Josh heard Ralph growling low, as he was most likely forced through the doorway.
“I’d leave the damn dog if I had a way to do it,” his father growled. “But he’d probably come after you anyway since he sticks to you like glue.”
Obviously sensing the danger, Ralph was deliberately moving slow. There weren’t any people outside because of the frigid temperature, but Josh had held onto his coat because he’d been planning on leaving it in the hotel room when he went upstairs to change into his uniform.
“You remembered, didn’t you?” John suddenly growled. “She was a sniveling idiot, trying to protect her baby. For years I got even with you for that—after making me lose it that night.”
“You killed her,” Josh muttered softly.
“Hah. What else was I supposed to do? Say no? He wanted you and he was going have you, and that was the end of it.”
Josh halted. He? Josh barely remembered, and he couldn’t envision a face, but there’d been someone else who’d been with his father that night, after John Turner had slammed a hammer into his mother’s head. There’d been blood everywhere, even all over Josh, and he’d been numb with shock when he was supposedly being taught a lesson.
But as much as Josh tried to remember more as he walked toward Crystal Rock with his father along the path, the events weren’t clear enough in his mind. Maybe someday he’d be able to recall more.
John shoved Josh forward. “Follow the dog. He seems to know where I’m going.”
They were at the base of Crystal Rock at the entrance to the cave, but his father was making him climb up further to the towering cliff overlooking the lake.
“I’ll make it easy,” Josh Turner said. “You can let go of the dog and just keep walking. I wish I could say I was sorry to see you go. You’ve been nothing but a whiny piece of shit since you were born.”
It was amazing how little the words bothered Josh. When he was young, anything like this said by his dad would’ve cut into him deeply. “Hey, man, it’s not like I can s
ee what I’m doing. I’ll do what you say, just don’t hurt the dog. But you’re going to have to count out my steps. It’s the only way I’ll be able to know where I’m supposed to jump. The dog’s not going to let me do it. This cliff doesn’t drop straight off, you know. There’s a shelf a few feet under here piled with snow, and I’d probably just land on top of that and survive, instead of dying when I hit the ice below.”
Josh held his breath, hoping the ploy would work.
His dad began to curse, and Josh heard him edging toward the top of the cliff, apparently looking down to see if Josh was telling the truth about the ledge.
Muttering under his breath, John Turner cursed harder. “Alright, turn a little to your left,” he growled after they walked a little further. “Jump at the count of five.”
His dad began to count. “One, two...”
Ralph started to whine.
“Three—ff...aaaaaahhhhhhh,” John Turner screamed, the echoes rippling through the air.
Josh realized grimly that his father had never moved away from the edge of the cliff.
He jumped into action, calling out frantically, “Ralph? Are you alright?”
When he heard a sharp yip, Josh breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Ralph hadn’t gone over with his dad when he’d jumped and shoved him.
“What in the hell happened, Josh?” Jake was asking, rushing up to him “Why’d you deviate from the plan? We had it all recorded.”
Josh heard commotion around him. He’d have been safe from his father with everyone in earshot, but something base had made him lose control once his father had threatened Nina. “I had to Jake. Someone was following Nina.”
“Well, hell, we had that taken care of.”
“Are you sure?” Josh asked grimly. “This time it was Rex following Nina, he said.”
“Rex? Shit. We thought it was Zeke, so yeah we’ve been talking to him. Zeke being in clear sight must’ve been a diversion.”
Josh heard Jake blow out a deep breath. “You heard that?” He muttered to someone standing nearby. “See if you can find him. Make sure Nina’s alright.”
* * *
Turned out everything was fine, Josh discovered, once he returned to the inn’s lobby. If Rex had been there, he’d long since disappeared. Had the threat been a ploy arranged by his father? Josh doubted it, but Rex had obviously had the sense to hide away somewhere. Josh was sure Jake would eventually catch up with him.
Why wasn’t he surprised that Jake still expected him to appear at the banquet and act as if nothing had happened? But the truth was, Josh thought of his fellow airmen as his family, and he’d felt absolutely nothing except relief hearing that his dad was really dead.
The world was better off without degenerate scum like him.
Jake came up to Josh where he was standing in the lobby. “I’ve had your clothing and uniform moved to a little bit nicer room.” Jake handed him a key. “I sent Nina there earlier with a member of my security team as soon as I realized she was being followed. She’s waiting there to help you get into your uniform.”
“What happened, Jake?”
“I just found out something about Rex, that I was never made aware of, and it’s kind of been pissing me off. I know I’m not the one running this investigation, but I’m still trying to understand why I was never informed.”
“What?”
“He’s deep undercover in the trafficking ring, and he’s been there for years.”
Josh’s jaw dropped, and then he finally spoke. “He’s been playing the part pretty damned well.”
“Yeah, believe it or not, he’s been sending the task force clues for fifteen years. Problem is, he doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere close to the top of the ladder, so they’re thinking about replacing him with someone else.” Jake laid a hand on his back. “I’ll lead you and Ralph to the elevator. Your new room is on the fourth floor.”
“What next?” Josh asked, as Jake guided Josh and Ralph through the elevator’s open doors.
“We picked up Zeke, and we’re working on getting something from him. We’re pretty sure we were right about the blackmail, and he was the one taking the shots at you, Although we haven’t found the shotgun, we’ve got the casings. For now, your part is done, Josh. I doubt your dad would’ve talked since he wouldn’t do it fifteen years ago, so as much as I wanted to see that pervert locked up for the rest of his life, it’s better off that he’s dead.”
“I agree,” Josh said quietly, as the elevator doors closed.
* * *
“Josh?” Nina came up to him wrapping her arms around him. “Oh, God, I was so worried.”
“You smell so good,” he answered. “And you feel pretty darn good too.”
Danielle Loughlin had chosen a clinging rosy purple gown for Nina to wear and it was absolutely gorgeous
She felt Josh pat her butt.
“Josh.”
He grinned, when she pulled out of his arms, slapping him on the shoulder.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, Nina. I can’t believe it’s finally over,” he said, sighing heavily and squeezing her tightly. “I was scared to death when he told me that he had someone following you.”
She pulled away, studying him intently. He was looking really pale. His father’s death had probably affected him more than he was willing to admit. “I have your uniform here, ready to go. Jake called and said that we had about an hour.
Josh groaned, rolling his head around from left to right. “Do we really need to go?”
Jake had already warned Nina that Josh would try to bow out. But Jake had stressed it was imperative that Josh be there, so she’d promised Jake she’d make sure that he was.
“Yes,” she said. “Jake told me it was important, and with everything that Jake has done for both of us, I don’t think that it’s too much for him to ask.”
Josh gave her a rueful grin. “You’re right. I’m being selfish. Attending a charity auction and benefit dinner to raise funds for not only the wounded warriors, but the Crystal Visions Special Needs Vocational Center is pretty darn important. I’ll quit whining in a minute.”
She whispered in his ear. “A shower might relax you?”
Josh swallowed before he grinned. “Only if you’re in there with me.”
Nina laughed.
* * *
Nina and Josh walked into the banquet a little bit late. After helping Josh get dressed, Nina’s hair and makeup had required a little bit of touching up before they’d left the room. Jake had made the seats at the end of the table available for them, enabling Ralph to lay beneath the table and out of the way.
Nina guided Josh to his seat, and sat down beside him. She was glad she’d be able to be here with him when he earned the commendation she was sure he was about to receive. Not just Jake, but Jason Matthews had also made a point of letting Nina know that he expected Josh to be here when he’d talked to her last week. He’d also mentioned that unlike the past fundraisers he’d hosted, wives and girlfriends would be accommodated in the seating, since his fiancé Kat hadn’t appreciated the oversite last year.
Jason was speaking and looking at Josh where he sat at the table. “There are few things that can change the course of battle like a properly executed air strike. As members of Air Force Special Operations, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialists imbed with Army and Marine units on the frontline with the incredible responsibility of calling in an air strike on the right target at just the right time. These highly trained experts go through intense physical, mental and technical training in order to withstand the demanding conditions of battle and provide their team with the firepower they need for continued success on the battlefield.”
Josh snorted. “That’s straight from the website.”
“Shh.” Laughing softly, Nina punched him in the shoulder. Josh was totally unaware that the attention in the room was focused on him, and the officer sitting next to him was smiling from ear to ear.
; Jason continued, “It’s the important and often dangerous job of Air Force Pararescuemen to rescue and medically treat downed military personnel. Often operating in hostile areas, these highly-trained specialists not only provide combat support, but are skilled parachutists, scuba divers, rock climbers and are even arctic-trained to allow access to any environment to save lives wherever they’re needed, and use survival techniques to help provide for the survival of others.”
Colonel Matthews picked up a flat box from in front of him, and opened it up for everyone to see.
“The soldier we’re honoring tonight began training for a career as an Air Force Pararescueman first, but was asked to transfer to TACP midway through that training because we were short on men in the field. He did so without question, participating in some of our most dangerous tactical missions in Iraq. I’m honored to present Lieutenant Joshua Loughlin, who was blinded on his last mission, with one of the highest medals of commendation, The Purple Heart.”
Josh looked stunned, and his eyes were becoming suspiciously moist.
“Stand up Josh,” Nina whispered, squeezing his hand.
He stood up from the chair as Jason Matthews walked up to him, handing the medal over in its case and shaking Josh’s hand. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.”
Josh saluted. “Thank you, sir.”
Applause filled the air.
Epilogue
Christmas Eve.
Eight Days later.
Finally, they’d made it to Dragonfly Pointe, and Josh and Nina were sitting in the cave where she and Josh had shared their first kiss while Nina described the beautiful view. Snow was falling lightly, and the sunset was a rosy purple haze dancing across the lake like fire.
Suddenly looking nervous, Josh said abruptly, “I’d really like to marry you Nina, and I hope that’s what you want too? I think I might’ve known that you were the only for me from the moment I met you.” He gave her a rueful grin. “After I told myself I’d never be dumb enough to get married or have a family because of my background. Is that kind of nuts or what?”
Nina laughed softly. “Not to me.”
He drew in a deep breath. “And I think I want to have kids, God help me, even with my past. I’m scared to death about handing down my genes, but I think our kids would be special with you as their mom.”
Two Hearts Find Christmas (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Book 5) Page 15
