by Carol Henry
He wanted to run his hands over her pale cheeks, brush aside the errant strands of hair that twined around her neck. But his gut wrenched at what he had unknowingly put her through. God, he was the worst ass. He turned, grabbed his coat from the back of the chair, and sprinted toward the front door. He had to leave before he took his anger out on her.
“Mark, wait…” She ran after him. He couldn’t stand to see the disappointment in her eyes another second. He had to leave before he said something that would only make matters worse, and have her hating him more than she did already.
Mark drove out of Lobster Cove, the town lights fading in the rearview mirror. He didn’t even notice when he drove off the island, and continued aimlessly, not heading in any particular direction. The sky was overcast, the night had turned as dark as his thoughts. Anger didn’t even begin to describe how he was hurting. Talk about keeping secrets. How could she do this to him? How? Why hadn’t she tried harder to find him, get word to him? Had she thought so little of him? That he wouldn’t do the right thing?
It started to snow, light flakes that without warning turned into a swirling blizzard. He slowed, came to a town, a plow passing him in the opposite direction. He spotted the flashing lights of a fast-food diner and edged his car into a parking spot next to the building. He sat for a moment wondering what the hell town he’d pulled into. With the whiteout, the only way to find out was to get out of the car and go inside. At least get a strong cup of coffee and a caffeine fix to shake him out of his inner rant. And keep him awake long enough to find his way back home.
Mark ordered a burger, fries, and an extra tall cup of coffee, with one for the road. He found a seat facing the window where he could keep an eye on his car and the entrance. He scanned the typical fast-food restaurant’s interior before he unwrapped his burger. He chewed without tasting the juicy sandwich, sipped his coffee, and then sat back. And thought about having just walked out on Katie. And then it hit him. What she must feel, knowing he’d married and had a son, while she’d lost a child. His child! She loved children. She loved Kurtis. God, it must be tearing her up inside, having to face the reality of it every day. No wonder she’d pulled away from him every time he’d kissed her. And then to walk out on her tonight—not staying long enough to comfort her, tell her he was sorry for what she went through—alone. And all he could think about was how hurt he was that she hadn’t told him that she was pregnant with his child. Way to go, asshole!
He had to see her. Set things right. Was it too late? Would she talk to him, listen to him? There was only one way to find out.
The blizzard had turned into a small snow squall while he’d been inside and was nothing more than a light snowfall once again. He made his way to the car, put the coffee container in the cup holder between the seats, backed his vehicle out of the parking lot, and pointed it toward Lobster Cove. And Katie.
Hell, he had no idea if she was still engaged to that Norwegian.
With his mind focused on Katie, Mark managed to miss a turn, slide to a stop, missing a snow bank before he could get the car turned around and back on the road. The closer he got to Lobster Cove, the harder it snowed. An hour later he pulled up in front of her house. The house was dark, the tree lights he’d plugged in for her earlier had been extinguished. Mark glanced at the clock on the dash. Past midnight. He sat for a few more minutes, revved the car, and slowly eased onto the road.
Shit! He’d forgotten about Kurtis. One of the first things he’d insisted on when he came home was a security system at his parent’s home. Only then could he be sure his son stayed safe. Thank God, his father and mother were vigilant—he’d filled them in on the risks to his son, but it was his responsibility to make sure Kurtis was safe. He’d let that slip, thanks to his anger—not his usual MO.
His father was waiting for him in the sitting room, watching the late news, when he made it home.
“Sorry I’m late, Dad. Everything okay?”
“Yes. Your mother checked on Kurtis before she retired for the night. She spoils him.”
“Like you don’t.” Mark smiled. His parents had been over the moon to have him and Kurtis stay with them until he could find a place of their own.
“How about you? Everything go okay tonight?”
“Not really. Think I’ve really messed up—again.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
He’d been trying to figure it out since he returned to Lobster Cove. And look where it had gotten him. Lost in a snow storm—out in the cold.
Chapter Twelve
Wednesday night turned clear and star-studded. A perfect night for caroling at the town square. A slight breeze drifted off the cove, but it didn’t stop the park from filling up to overflowing with carolers high on Christmas spirit. Katelyn found a parking spot next to the library, and sat in the car taking it all in. Colored lights strung around the entire parameter illuminated the festivities. The gazebo was decked out in garlands, red ribbons, and white lights, and everyone was bundled up for the weather.
She made her way to the gazebo along the crowded sidewalk. Kids romped in the snow, rolling snowballs to form snowmen for the snowman contest that would take place later in the evening. A small band inside the shelter of the gazebo pumped out Christmas music, while everyone joined the Community Chorus in song. “O Come All Ye Faithful” was just ending, followed by “O Tannenbaum.” On cue, the Christmas tree in the center of the square was lit for the evening. The gaiety lifted Katelyn’s mood—she couldn’t help but smile, wave a hello, and even stop and talk with many of her friends and acquaintances. Linda was there with her husband.
“So, how was Norway?” Linda sipped her hot chocolate, warming her hands on the cup, her nose already red from the cold night air.
“A mistake. Or maybe a near miss. Depends on how you look at it.” Katelyn scanned the crowd. “What a turnout.”
“Uh oh. What aren’t you saying?”
Should she tell Linda? She’d already talked to her parents. Why not? Everyone in Lobster Cove would find out soon enough.
“Seems Sven got himself engaged to someone else. Apparently a woman he’s known and has been in love with on and off all this time.”
“What? No way!”
“It was quite a shock.”
An understatement for sure, she was still reeling over the surreal fiasco.
“I’m so sorry, Katelyn. Is there anything I can do?”
“Thanks, but I’ll be okay. Great turn out tonight, huh?” She scanned the crowd. “One of the best in a long time. I think the weather has something to do with it, don’t you?”
“Okay. I understand. No more talking about Sven. Yep. A great turnout tonight. A lot of the kids and their parents are here. And, they are wearing their new coats from the church. That was such a great idea. We’ll have to remember that for next year, kids grow at such a fast pace at their age.”
Katelyn wasn’t sure what next year would bring—where she would be, what she would be doing. If she’d still be in Lobster Cove. She scanned the crowd again. There was Mark with Connie, and their two boys watching the older kids build snowmen. How could she face him today, after he’d slammed her own door in her face? He hadn’t called, or tried to contact her. Her insides still burned from his anger. And there he was with Connie. They looked comfortable together. They looked like a family. She sniffed back tears. There was no way she could stay in Lobster Cove if Mark and Connie married.
About to turn away, Mark caught her eye. His smile was short lived, however, as Kurtis spotted her and ran to her side. Crap. This was going to be difficult. She couldn’t ignore Kurtis just because his father hated her.
“Hi, Kurtis. Are you having fun tonight?”
“Katie. Snowman. Come see.”
“I can see from here. They’re big. You should have your father help you build one.”
Kurtis looked at his father, who had ambled over, an expectant expression on his face. Mark smiled at his son. Her heart fluttered thi
nking what it would have been like had their child lived. If Kurtis was hers.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m headed over to Love Caters All for a hot chocolate.” Katelyn used the excuse to escape the tense encounter.
“Hot cocoa. Want hot cocoa. Please, Katie.”
Jason overheard, ran over, and added his plea to Kurtis’. She waited for Mark’s approval. He nodded his head in agreement, just as Connie approached.
“Hi, Katelyn. These two bothering you?”
“Not in the least. I was just about to take them for a hot chocolate, unless you rather I didn’t.”
“No, that’s fine with me. Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all.” She liked Connie, and her son Jason was a sweetheart. How could she refuse either of them just because Mark had walked out on her?
Connie turned to Mark. “The Chief of Police is looking for you. He said he’d wait for you next to the Lost Fisherman Statue.”
The two young boys raced each other toward the pink catering truck, weaving in and out among the crowd. Katelyn dodged an elderly couple, then lost track of the boys—they’d been swallowed up in the excitement of the night.
“Do you see them?” she asked Connie.
Connie elbowed through the crowd, and then sprinted ahead. “Over here. They’re by the trees. I’ll meet you at the catering truck and get in line.”
Katelyn was just about to collar Kurtis when a tall, burly man stepped in front of her. She bumped into him, keeping her eye on Kurtis.
“Sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
She heard his grunt, ignored it, and was about to catch up with Kurtis, when someone blocked her path, grabbed Kurtis’ arm, and pulled him into the shadow of the trees. The man had on a black face mask, was stocky, tall, and held something in his right hand.
Katelyn lunged at the man’s back with her left shoulder, and knocked him to the ground. Kurtis rolled to the side. She quickly lifted him into her arms, but before she took two steps, a second assailant’s fist punched her cheek. She hit the ground, her hold on Kurtis loosened.
The man tried to pry Kurtis out of her arms, but despite the pain radiating through her head and down her neck, she clung to Kurtis and kicked out at the man’s knees. He let go and fell to the ground with a groan. She stood, never letting go of Kurtis, his face buried in her chest, his grip tight, as she tried to run to safety. But the man was back on his feet and tackled her, pointing a gun at her temple. The cold hard pressure of it against her scalp scared her silly.
The man didn’t hesitate and hauled her and Kurtis into his strong, muscular arms. In seconds they were shoved behind one of the buildings, out of sight from the crowd. A black van, with the motor running, was waiting close to the curb. The band playing and the carolers singing masked the sound. Before she could protest, regardless of the gun still aimed at her head, they were shoved in the back of the vehicle.
The door slammed shut before she could blink. A third man sat behind the wheel pumping the accelerator impatiently, waiting for the others to get in. Katelyn hung on to Kurtis and reached for the door handle only to have the doors automatically lock with a loud snap that sounded like a gun being fired. She could only hang on to Kurtis as the van sped down the street away from Mark.
Kurtis shivered in her arms. Her heart ached for what he must be going through. If she hadn’t held on to him, he would have landed in this van full of kidnappers all alone. What the hell was Mark involved in that they were after an innocent child? It had to be something big if they followed him all the way to Lobster Cove, Maine. And, oh, Lord, she hoped Connie, who had been trying to catch up with Jason, had witnessed the attack. Had anyone seen them being thrown into the van? Whisked out of sight? She was going to have to figure something out—and soon. She couldn’t let these thugs take Kurtis away from her. She didn’t want to be responsible for losing both of Mark’s sons.
****
“What’s wrong? Where’s Kurtis?” Mark’s heart lodged in his throat. He knew the answer. Daryl Johnson, Chief of Police had just finished filling him in on a security breach. Homeland Security had been trying to get in touch with him. Shit! Shit! Shit! They had Kurtis! After all the precautions they had put in place, they still managed to find him and kidnap him.
“They took them.” Connie managed, trying to catch her quivering breath. “What’s going on, Mark?”
“Them? You mean they took Katie, too?”
“Yes.” She shook her head, pointing back at Love Caters All’s pink van. “Two men with black masks grabbed them. It happened so fast, Mark, there was nothing we could do. Katelyn fought them, but it was no use. We tried to get back to you as soon as we could, but the crowd has grown thicker.”
“Did they see you? They didn’t follow you, did they?”
“No. I was chasing Jason. When I caught up with him, we were on the back side of the catering truck. They didn’t see us. As soon as they left, we ran straight back to you. I’m so sorry, Mark.”
“Go find Chief Johnson. Tell him what happened. Tell him I’m going after them. Then find someone you trust and hang out with them. Keep Jason with you.”
He didn’t give her time to respond. He had to find them before they put Katie and Kurtis on a vessel and disappeared. He punched in Homeland Security’s number on his cell before he reached his car.
“They’ve got him. Katelyn Sullivan, too.”
“We’re on it. Go.”
He had hoped it wouldn’t come to this. Yet, deep inside his gut, he knew it was inevitable. Natasha’s family was wealthy. Her child would pull in a hefty ransom, especially as payback for some of the more deadly ops she’d been involved in. A few of those ops made him a target as well. But none of them involved Katie, which meant they had no use for her. Dammit! He should never have come back to Lobster Cove and put her life in danger. He scanned the crowd as he sprinted to his car. He spotted his parents sitting on a bench next to the gazebo talking with the Sullivans. He headed in their direction. Shit! This was not going to be an easy conversation. He didn’t have time for this, but it had to be taken care of now.
“Mom, Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. There’s no way to break this to you, but I’m glad you’re all together. I only have a second.”
“What is it, son?” His father stood, followed by the others.
“Oh, my God! Mark. Where’s Kurtis? Did they take him?” His mother looked ready to faint. Her hand to her chest, she swayed into his father.
“Kurtis and Katie have been kidnapped.”
“Katelyn? Kidnapped? My God! Roark!” Dawn Sullivan clutched her husband’s arm.
“I have to go ASAP. I want all of you to stay together. I’ve instructed the security guards to escort the four of you to a safe place until this is over. Stay there until you hear from me.”
He ignored their collective gasps as he fled the park, jumped into his vehicle, and headed for Bar Harbor. The bastards wouldn’t have been so stupid as to dock at Lobster Cove with the Coast Guards being close by. What they weren’t aware of was that Bar Harbor was on high alert, as was the entire Maine coastline and the Canadian border. Thanks to his new position with Homeland Security, they were all aware of such a possibility. Would they catch the kidnappers before it turned deadly?
Twenty minutes later, Mark pulled in next to the Bar Harbor docks, and jumped from his car. The Coast Guards, a handful of local police, FBI agents Jake MacKenzie and Ben Asher, and Homeland Security agent Gerald Wolfe, had detained and were in the process of handcuffing three men. He sprinted toward the commotion, breathing hard, looking for Kurtis and Katie. The Coast Guards were boarding an unassuming yacht, guns drawn. A helicopter hovered overhead. Blood pounded in his head. Was Kurtis already aboard?
From the corner of his eye he spotted a woman step away from the crowd. It dawned on him that it was Calla Hutchins, Petty Officer of the Lobster Cove Coast Guard. And then he saw him. Kurtis. She was holding Kurtis in her arms, and they were coming his way.
“Daddy! Daddy. I’m here, Daddy.”
His son’s arms reached for him. Mark didn’t stop running until he had Kurtis in his arms. His son was safe. Thank God.
“You’re okay, now, bud. I’ve got you.” Mark drew him into his arms for a tight hug. He kissed Kurtis’ temple, snuggled him under his neck. “You’re safe, now. They didn’t hurt you, did they?” His heart turned over as tears trickled down Kurtis’ cheeks. He was safe. His son was safe. Thank God they caught the bastards before they’d smuggled him on board the yacht.
“Katie’s gone. Daddy, the big man threw her out the door. She screamed. Loud.”
More tears fell from his son’s eyes. Tears formed in his own eyes. He clenched his jaws. How the hell had he let this happen? He wanted to kill the men who had done this to his boy. To Katie. Where the hell was she?
“Katie got hurt,” Kurtis sobbed.
“We’ll find her, bud. She’ll be okay. Come on, let’s go talk to the police.” Mark hefted him in his arms, hugging him tight against his shoulders. He prayed Katie was still alive. Where the hell had they dumped her? And what condition was she in after they had pushed her out of their vehicle. Hopefully they hadn’t shot her and discarded her body. The bastards! It was freezing out. She wouldn’t last any length of time if she was still alive, lying somewhere along the shore. The nighttime temps had dropped rapidly since the wind chill coming off the Atlantic had picked up.
Gerald Wolfe approached before Mark could head their way.
“We need to put out a search STAT—a possible injury—have the hospital on alert,” he called to Gerald. “Katelyn Sullivan was tossed from their van somewhere along the route—unless they went off-road to get rid of her. Not sure what happened, or what condition she’s in. I’m taking my son and driving along the coastal route, see if I can find anything.”
