Explosive Alliance

by Susan Sleeman

  She sat for uncounted minutes, crying and waiting until the trembling subsided. She crawled to the bed, slid her gun underneath, then pulled herself up by the thick post. In the bathroom, she splashed water over her face, willing her tears to stop before her eyes became swollen and red. She ran a comb through her hair, her scalp tender from the attack. After a few deep cleansing breaths, she stepped into the hallway.

  The aroma of fresh coffee greeted her. She found Cash and Opa sitting at the small table in the kitchen. Opa poured his favorite blend of rich, dark coffee from a popular German company. Cash had hung his jacket on his chair as if he intended to stay for some time. He wore jeans, scuffed cowboy boots and a tan waffle-weave shirt that brought out his dark hair. The casual attire should make him look less threatening, but he seemed even more deadly intense. The weapon holstered at his side added to the look. He took a sip of his coffee and grimaced before grabbing the cream.

  “Not to your liking?” Opa’s eyes twinkled.

  Cash cleared his throat. “In my home state of Texas, they’d think it was the thick sludge from oil wells.”

  “But it is good, no?” Opa replied.

  “It takes some getting used to.” Krista stepped into the room. “But after a while, you wonder how you could have enjoyed anything else.”

  Cash set the cup down and ran his gaze over her. “You aren’t hurt?”

  “No.” Her legs still shaky, she sat across from him. “When you called out, the guy ran.”

  “Any idea who it was?”

  She shook her head and took the cup Opa offered. “I was sleeping on the couch when a noise woke me up and I saw him looking in the coat closet. I tried to stop him, but—”

  “You tried to stop him,” Cash’s words shot out. “Why in blazes would you do that?”

  She sat back from his harsh tone.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you, but come on, Krista. The guy could’ve hurt you. You should have run out the door while you had the chance.”

  She didn’t like his bossiness, but she had to admit she liked hearing her name tumble off his lips. Despite his frustration, it came out honey warm and smooth in his Southern drawl.

  Focus. “I wouldn’t leave Opa behind.”

  Opa smiled at her. “As I wouldn’t leave you, Liebchen.”

  Cash wrapped long fingers around his mug, gripping it tight enough to turn his fingers white. “So what happened next?”

  “We fought,” she said vaguely so she wouldn’t have to mention her gun. “He dragged me to the front door like he planned to abduct me. You arrived, and he ran off.”

  Cash ground his teeth for a moment. “You’re sure you didn’t recognize this man?”

  “He was the right size for the bomber, but it was dark and he wore a ski mask so...” She shrugged.

  “I caught a quick look at him as he fled and agree that he fits your description of the bomber.” Cash paused and took a sip of the coffee. He looked as if he wanted to grimace but held it back.

  “It is okay if you do not like the coffee, Cash.” Opa smiled. “I will not hold it against you.”

  “Hey.” Cash’s tone lightened. “I don’t give up easily. I’ll keep trying it.”

  Krista was certain his statement held double meaning, but she was too tired to think about it.

  “I called Jake,” he continued. “An officer’s on the way to secure the scene and Skyler will be dispatched, too. Plus, Jake issued an alert for the guy and asked for increased patrols in the area.”

  Opa settled his hand on Krista’s, telling her all was forgiven for her outburst in the hallway. “How likely are they to find this man?”

  Cash swung his gaze to Opa. “Honestly, not very likely. The woods are pretty dense along the river, so he could get away without being seen.”

  Cash’s description of their setting highlighted the dangers that country living brought. As much as Krista didn’t want them to see how deeply the attack was affecting her, she couldn’t control the shiver that worked over her body.

  Cash appraised her. “I’ve been assuming you were attacked by the bomber, but I should ask if you have reason to think it could be someone else.”

  “No,” she said adamantly. “It has to be him.”

  “We probably should consider that this could be a random break-in. I haven’t heard of any burglaries in the area, but Skyler will look into it and call in the forensic team to process the house.”

  “Would a random burglar try to drag me out the door?”

  “If he was panicked and wasn’t thinking clearly, maybe. But you’re right in thinking that would be odd.”

  “This bomber,” Opa said. “How do you think he found out where Krista lives?”

  “Good question.” Cash eyed Krista. “I suspect he heard her name on the news like I did, then went to the internet. But before I came over here, I searched and found nothing. Not even a Facebook account. Maybe he’s better at searching than I am.”

  Cash had dug into her past. Of course he had. This was just the beginning, and she doubted he was the only one looking. The time of her discovery was coming closer.

  Her stomach cramped, but she forced her expression to remain neutral. “I’m a very private person. I doubt anyone will find much.” At least not using the name Krista Curry.

  “Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for privacy. As a deputy, I see people all too often who have gotten into trouble for sharing things on the internet. ”

  “Fortunately, this house is in my name,” Opa said. “But I guess it doesn’t matter as somehow the bomber made the connection.” He paused and stroked his whiskers. “I suppose he will try this again.”

  Cash nodded. “It’s likely he’ll come back.”

  Krista jerked her head to look at Cash. “You really think so? Even after he was almost caught?”

  “It’s a strong possibility.”

  Her heart fell and a terrified, “Oh, no,” slipped out of its own accord.

  “Don’t worry.” Cash met her gaze. “I’ll be sticking to you like glue until the bomber is brought in and you’re safe.”

  “What? No.” She sat forward. “I’m sure that’s not necessary.”

  He studied her for a few minutes before he crossed his arms, the corded muscles straining the fabric of his shirt. “Trust me. It’s very necessary. We have a guy running around who wasn’t afraid to kill countless people in the stadium. You think he’d hesitate to kill one more person?”

  “He is right.” Opa locked gazes with Krista. “Not only will you say yes to his help, but you will smile and thank him for it.”

  Fine. She got it. She needed Cash Dixon’s help to stay safe—if not for her own sake, then to protect her grandfather, who would also be at risk if tonight’s attacker returned. Cash would keep them safe. At least physically safe, but trusting him with anything else? That was another matter.

  EIGHT

  Yawning, Cash walked Skyler to the door and glanced at his watch on the way. Forensics had taken until 6:00 a.m. to finish processing the scene. Krista had gone to shower for work, and Otto was resting. When Cash took Krista to the preschool, they would drop Otto off at his friend Erwin’s house for safety.

  Skyler opened the door and turned to look at him. “Since you’re off today, you might as well go home and get some sleep. There’s nothing you can do here.”

  “I’ll hang out for a bit. Just to make sure our suspect doesn’t try to take another crack at Krista.”

  Skyler stepped onto the porch without a comment. “Call me if anything comes up.”

  He was risking a lecture on personal involvement and should keep his mouth shut, but he didn’t care. “And you’ll keep me apprised of any new developments in the investigation?”

  She eyed him as he expected but t
hen nodded. “All I’ll say for now is watch yourself, Cash, and keep my warning in mind.” She let her gaze linger for a moment before jogging down the steps to her car.

  Her warning wasn’t necessary. Cash had thought of little else since Skyler first suggested that with limited information about Krista on the internet the only way the bomber located her was because he knew her. Cash didn’t want to consider that possibility, but it was getting harder to ignore Krista’s ongoing evasive behavior. His Special Forces and law enforcement training had taught him to read people, and he suspected she was hiding something. Maybe related to the bombing. Maybe not. Didn’t matter. He planned to find out if she was trying to conceal something.

  First, he needed to ensure her safety.

  He stepped outside to perform a threat assessment before departure. Parsons had aired another story this morning, this time flashing Krista’s picture for all to see. With the lack of internet leads on Krista, Cash doubted reporters could find Otto’s property this quickly, but Cash wouldn’t take a chance.

  He circled the home, looking behind frosty shrubbery and under the deck before walking the driveway lined with tall pines. Nearing the road, he spotted a black SUV idling on the shoulder across the road. The driver was in a perfect location to watch Krista, which it seemed as if the occupant had been doing for a while as the windows were fogged from the inside.

  Cash’s intuition warned him to take care. He slipped into the woods and inched closer for a better look. Even this close, he could only make out the shape of a large male sitting behind the wheel.

  Could be a reporter but Cash still doubted the press had found her.

  The bomber? Her attacker? Maybe, but if so, why park in plain sight?

  Cash wanted to rush the vehicle, but he’d likely scare the guy off. Instead, he moved deeper into the woods until he could make out the license plate.

  He called dispatch only to discover the SUV was a rental. Meant it probably wasn’t a reporter, but a lost tourist stopping to get his bearings. Could still be her attacker, though.

  Cash slipped back through the trees to reassess and saw the guy clear a small circle on the window. He sat there, peering out, staring down Krista’s drive, the minutes ticking by.

  Cash’s instincts fired an alert and he settled his hand on his gun.

  “Cash.” Krista’s voice came from the porch, the area in full view of the driver. “We’re ready to go.”

  Cash’s heart dropped, and he jumped onto the driveway.

  “Go back inside, Krista,” he yelled. “Now!”

  Her eyes fearful, she turned and the SUV’s powerful engine revved. Cash drew his weapon and spun. The engine roared louder. Cash stood ready, waiting for the car window to open and a gun to appear, but the driver shifted into gear and squealed away, sending gravel flying.

  Cash wanted to check on Krista, but he stood his ground until the vehicle was out of sight, then pulled out his phone to request backup.

  Maybe he was overreacting, but if this was their bomber and he was brave enough to show up in broad daylight mere hours after he’d assaulted Krista, the creep was willing to go to extreme measures to achieve his goal. And what could that goal be other than eliminating the only witness who could identify him for his crime?

  * * *

  In the family room, Cash gave Krista a vague description of the car that had just raced off. Krista suspected he’d chosen not to share many details of the incident to keep her from panicking. It didn’t work.

  This guy, the bomber, was persistent. Breaking into their house. Attacking her. Perhaps killing or abducting her if Cash hadn’t arrived on time. And now, he’d come back. Could come back again. Maybe succeed in his mission.

  Fear sent her pulse racing. She shot a look around the room, searching for comfort. Her gaze settled on Cash. Cash was here. Standing tall and strong. The man she’d been fighting every step of the way, yet he made sure she and Opa weren’t harmed. Even when she’d been so unfriendly to him. She didn’t deserve his care.

  She gave him a genuine smile. “Thank you for being here with us. Especially after I’ve been less than cooperative.”

  “No problem.” His tone remained level, but a hint of a smile followed. “It’s what I do.”

  “You can’t possibly do this for everyone who needs help.”

  “No.” He met her gaze levelly.

  “So why me? Us?”

  He shrugged but held her gaze, and she felt a change in him. Not the spark of physical attraction that clearly existed between them. Something softer. Different. Special.

  “I can’t put my finger on it, but I know you need me, and I’d be a real jerk to leave.” His voice was low and husky, his warm accent soothing her unease.

  The word trustworthy came to mind. He genuinely appeared to be a man of honor. Could she really believe he was everything he seemed to be? Everything Opa believed he was?

  What would happen if he discovered Toby’s murder and the accusations? Would Cash stay by her side then? She didn’t really know enough about him to have a clue how he would react, and she needed to remember that.

  She broke the magnetic pull and took a step back. “Well, thank you again for your help.”

  “I second that.” Opa joined them and fired a pointed look at Krista. “I’m glad my Liebchen has finally realized we can use your assistance.”

  She didn’t want to go there again. She stepped toward the front door and dug her keys from her purse. A gum wrapper fell to the floor, giving her an idea.

  “I forgot to do something,” she said to Cash. “Would you get Opa settled in the car while I take care of it and lock up?”

  “I do not need settling,” Opa grumbled.

  “But you could use a few extra minutes to get down the stairs,” Cash commented, surprising Krista that he was on her side.

  “That I could.” Opa frowned as he started down the stairs. “Getting old is a bear.”

  Cash grinned at Opa. “But think how wise you are now. Or maybe I’m wrong and you’re just a wise guy.”

  Opa laughed joyfully. Krista was thankful for the care and consideration Cash was showing to her grandfather. She was tempted to think he was doing it to get on her good side, but he genuinely seemed to like Opa. And Opa had made it clear he liked and respected Cash.

  At the bottom of the steps, Cash turned and looked up at her. “You’d best get moving, or you’ll be late for work.”

  She went inside for a small piece of paper, then waited until Cash was distracted with Opa before inserting the paper into the doorjamb and closing the door. If anyone entered the house while they were gone, the paper would fall out, alerting her that someone had been inside.

  Shaking her head, she locked the door and hurried to the car. She couldn’t believe she had reason to use the trick her father had taught her when she was a teen and they’d been on the run from the police. She’d tried to forget those days. The days back when she’d believed in her father’s innocence. She especially wanted to forget his lies meant to keep her by his side as he evaded capture for murdering his partner. To keep their lives a secret from everyone—including Opa. Maybe things would have been different if her father was Opa’s son instead of his son-in-law. Maybe then her father wouldn’t have run, or maybe Opa wouldn’t have wanted to report her father to the police.

  Maybe, maybe, maybe. Her life was filled with maybes and thinking about it changed nothing.

  “Everything okay?” Cash asked.

  She nodded and looked out the window before she gave away her unease. Thankfully, he didn’t press her. Instead, he focused on checking the mirror, watching for a threat. He didn’t let down his guard the entire drive. Even when they stopped at Erwin’s house, he insisted on evaluating the home’s security and giving the men pointers on how to stay safe.

 
Krista hugged her grandfather. “We’ll pick you up after work. I’ll call if anything changes.”

  He stepped back and his lips tipped in his usual, comforting smile. “Do not worry about me, Liebchen. Just enjoy your day.”

  Cash took her elbow and directed her down the pathway. He held her close to his side, his touch making her unreasonably happy. Not the warmth of it, but the care he was exhibiting for her, too. He was dedicated, committed, kind and considerate. All the things her father had never been.

  All the things she’d thought Toby had been.

  The reminder of how wrong she’d been about Toby was like a bucket of cold water on her warm feelings for Cash. She put distance between them, and as she climbed into the car, she cautioned herself yet again to keep up her guard.

  Grinning, Cash climbed behind the wheel. “Your grandfather has met his match in Erwin.”

  She swiveled to face him. “You seem so at ease with Opa. Like maybe you have a great relationship with your own grandfather.”

  Cash’s smile fell. “My family is kind of complicated.”

  His sudden change in tone sent her suspicions flaring. She should take heed. Back off. But the need to ask about his complicated family—to know more about him as a man—had her rushing ahead. “Complicated how?”

  He stared at the road, either ignoring her or searching for the right words.

  “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it. Trust me, I understand complicated families.”

  “It’s not that. I just don’t know where to start.”

  “How about with the parts that weren’t complicated?”

  “Can’t remember back that far.” A sarcastic laugh slipped out.

  “I understand,” she said again, but truth be told she was hurt that he wouldn’t tell her. She had no right to know anything about him. After all, she didn’t plan to talk about her past.