by Laura Scott
Brodie calmed down once he was in Shayla’s care.
There was no sign of the black sports car as they walked the short distance to the café. It was early for lunch, so the place wasn’t as busy as he would have liked.
Easier to blend in with the crowds.
“A table for three?” a waitress asked, coming to greet them with plastic menus in her hand. She stopped and blanched when she saw Mike.
“You better go into the restroom to clean up your face, Mike,” Shayla said in a low tone. “Yes, please,” she said more loudly looking at the waitress. “Sorry about the mess, we happened to get in a minor car crash.”
It wasn’t a lie, the bullet had crashed into the car. And it certainly wasn’t an accident. Mike clasped Shayla’s elbow. “We’ll all go to the restroom,” he corrected, hoping she understood his need to keep them together.
“You’re right. Please give us a few minutes, okay?” Shayla smiled at the waitress as they wove through the tables to the back corner of the dining room where the restrooms were located.
“Stay inside until I knock on the door,” he said softly.
“Okay.”
Mike waited until Shayla and Brodie were safely inside before ducking into the men’s room. His reflection in the mirror made him wince. No wonder the waitress had looked so horrified. There was a lot more blood on his face than he’d realized.
Leaning over the sink, he peered at the cut on his temple. There was still a piece of glass stuck in there, so he used his penknife to lever it out. That caused more bleeding, and it took him a while to get it blotted off enough that he could wash his face.
Thankfully he wore black clothing, which helped hide the worst of the mess. Holding a wad of tissue to the wound, he left the restroom to check out where the back door might be located.
There was a hallway leading into the kitchen. He looked through the window in the door, taking note of the location of the escape route. When the cook glared at him, he quickly turned away.
Satisfied, he lightly rapped on the women’s restroom door. “Shay? You and Brodie can come out now.”
Shayla emerged holding Brodie’s hand. The boy’s face had been scrubbed clean but his eyes were still puffy from his crying jag. He looked up at Mike with a frown. “You got an ouchie?”
“Yes, but don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt.” He wished the stupid thing would stop bleeding.
“You look a little better,” Shayla said unconvincingly. “We can ask the waitress for a bandage.”
“That’s fine.” He glanced around the restaurant. The waitress had put the three menus at a four-top near the window. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to work for him. “We’ll take this table in the back, near the restrooms.”
Shayla didn’t argue. Raising her voice to get the waitress’s attention, she called, “Excuse me, miss? We’d like to sit back here, if that’s okay with you.”
The woman eyed them warily as she brought the menus over. She probably thought they were fugitives from the law, which wasn’t too far from the truth. “Sure, no problem.”
“Do you have a first-aid kit here?” Shayla asked. “We could use a few bandages, as well.”
The woman reluctantly nodded. “I’ll be right back.”
Mike sat in the seat with his back against the wall so he could face the door. Through the wide window he could see traffic moving slowly up and down the main thoroughfare.
No sign of the black sports car. But he wasn’t sure that meant much.
Had the gunman given up the chase? Scared off maybe by the corrections facility and the subsequent law enforcement authorities that were nearby? Or was he still out there, casing the joint? So far each attempt had been made when they’d been isolated from other people, but Mike wasn’t sure that tactic would continue. The gunman could be feeling desperate, ready to take out innocent lives if needed.
Logically, he knew Matt was a good hour away, even pushing the speed limit. An hour that would likely feel like a lifetime.
The waitress returned with two bandages. Mike thanked her, as Shayla took them from her.
“Let me,” she said, reaching up to remove the wad of tissue he had pressed against the cut.
He felt like an idiot, but couldn’t deny appreciating the softness of her touch as she placed the two bandages over the cut in a crisscross pattern.
“Thanks,” he said when she’d finished.
“Ouchie all better,” Brodie announced.
“You’re right, I’m much better.” He smiled at Brodie, glad the child didn’t seem too traumatized by the recent events. “I guess we should order something for lunch.” He picked up a plastic menu.
“Chicken fingers?” Brodie asked. “And brown milk?”
“Sure.” Shayla’s smile was a bit watery and he knew at this point she wasn’t about to deny their son anything. Even chocolate milk.
Their server brought over a coloring paper and three crayons. Brodie happily went to work on filling in the design.
“How did they find us at Hawk’s cabin?” Shayla asked in a whisper. “Brodie and I were playing outside just before we left. If they had got there earlier...” Her lips tightened.
“I don’t know,” Mike said. “The only thing that happened out of the ordinary was Duncan’s phone call to your disposable phone.”
“Are you kidding me?” she asked in a harsh whisper. “You’re blaming this on my brother? Will you give it up already?”
“I didn’t mean—” he tried to explain, but she cut him off.
“Yes, you did. Face it, Mike. Since the moment we broke up, you’ve carried around a clear hatred for my father and brother. Well, I’ve had it. Don’t you ever bring up Duncan’s name in conjunction with anyone trying to hurt me and Brodie again. Do you hear me? Never.”
He blew out a breath and nodded. He pulled out his cell phone and shut it down. She pursed her lips and then mimicked his actions.
He was relieved she’d done that much. He hadn’t meant for it to come across as if Duncan had been the one to leak their location, but it was possible that since Duncan had got her disposable cell number from the hospital, the shooter may have, too.
Thinking about how close Shayla and Brodie had come to being shot and killed made him feel cold and nauseous. The only bright spot was that he’d brought the evidence with them from the cabin.
If it was still sitting on the floor of the back seat in the SUV by the time Matt arrived.
It was time to make a new plan. One in which he actually honored his promise to protect Shayla and Brodie.
* * *
Shayla was still trembling with fury when the waitress returned to take their order. She wasn’t hungry but forced herself to order a chicken sandwich along with Brodie’s chicken fingers and chocolate milk.
Mike ordered a burger. She’d turned off her phone because it was the smart thing to do, but she was still angry that he kept harping on her family.
“D’ya like my picture?” Brodie asked, holding it up for her to see.
“It’s awesome,” she said, leaning to kiss his cheek. The whole time Mike had been driving them away from the gunmen, she’d prayed. And thinking about those prayers now caused her anger to dissipate.
She looked up and caught Mike’s troubled gaze resting on her. With a sigh, she realized fighting with him wasn’t the answer.
“I’m sorry,” he said, surprising her. “I don’t believe Duncan would ever hurt you or Brodie. That wasn’t what I meant to say. It came out wrong.”
She slowly nodded. “Apology accepted. Although I’d be happier if you could look me in the eye and tell me my father and brother aren’t involved in the Dark Knights.”
His green gaze never left hers. “I believe they love you and would never hurt you. I’m not sure they’re actively involved in the Dark Knights. I do think they m
ay know something that can help us.”
It wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear, but it was a start.
“I thought you may have looked at my notes on the kitchen table,” Mike continued. “I’m working under the theory that your father, in his role of deputy chief over internal affairs, may have headed up a task force to look into police connections to the Dark Knights. And I think you could be right about Duncan working undercover to get information.”
Her jaw dropped. “Really? Then why...?” She didn’t finish because the waitress came over with Brodie’s chocolate milk and two iced teas for her and Mike.
“You didn’t let me explain,” he said, picking up the thread of the conversation. “I thought the gunman may have pretended to be Duncan, calling in after a change in shifts to get your cell number. Not that Duncan gave it to anyone on purpose to find you.”
She had to admit, that was the risk he’d pointed out to her. She reached across the table, holding her hand, palm upward. “Can we please agree not to argue about this again?”
He took her hand, his warm fingers closing reassuringly over hers. “Agreed.”
“Me, too,” Brodie chimed in, slapping his hand on top of Mike’s.
She chuckled, staring for a moment at their three hands stacked one on top of the other. This togetherness was what she’d once longed for. Was that part of the reason she’d got so upset with Mike?
There were still so many unknowns about their future, but right here, right now, being with him felt right.
And protecting her heart seemed far less important.
When their food was brought to the table, she held Brodie back with one hand. “We have to pray before we eat, remember?”
Mike flashed a smile. “Yes, we do.”
She took his hand and Brodie’s as Mike did the same. It was a little embarrassing to pray in a restaurant, but she knew it was important.
“Dear Lord, thank You for this food we are about to eat and for once again keeping us safe in Your care. Amen.”
“Amen.” She looked at Brodie.
“Amen. Now we eat?”
“You may.” Shayla cut his food into bite-size pieces.
Mike continued looking out the window over Brodie’s head as they ate. She was grateful for his persistence. At one point, he shot to his feet but then sat again slowly.
Matt arrived about thirty minutes later.
Mike glanced at his watch, lifting his brow, and Matt shrugged.
“I got here as quickly as I could.”
“Take my keys,” Mike said, digging them out of his pocket. “My box of information is still in my SUV. You’ll find it parked along the side of the gas station. The driver’s-side window and passenger’s-side windows are broken.”
“Will do. I’ll grab Brodie’s car seat, as well.”
“Thanks.” Mike gestured for the bill after Matt left.
Shayla wished she had more cash on her, but she didn’t. Mike paid, leaving a nice tip.
“Let me take Brodie to the bathroom one more time,” she said as they left the table. “I’m not sure how long we’ll be in the car.”
Mike nodded and came over to stand like a sentry outside the restroom door.
When they were finished, Mike asked her to wait until Matt gave the signal. They quickly left the restaurant and piled into Matt’s K-9 vehicle. Duchess wagged her tail in greeting.
“Nice doggy,” Brodie said, pressing his fingers against the wire mesh.
“No other injuries?” Matt asked as Mike slid into the front seat.
“Thankfully not. But we need a new place to stay. Preferably family friendly.”
“I figured. I have a place in mind, but it’s a drive.”
Mike glanced at her, then shrugged. “We can go to the hospital to see your dad later.”
“I don’t want to put him in danger,” Shayla protested.
“Me, either,” Mike agreed. “But sitting at the café for the last hour proves these guys are not going to risk being seen, or shooting at us with a lot of other people around. In that case, the hospital may be one of the safest places to be.”
She had to admit he was probably right. Although a tiny part of her mind wondered how much of Mike’s decision was influenced by his desire to talk to her father rather than concern for her feelings.
“Let’s figure that out when we have you settled in a new place,” Matt suggested.
The ride was long and Shayla was glad to see Brodie nodding off along the way. No doubt, a combination of having a full tummy and the effects of his crying jag.
When Matt pulled off onto a winding dirt road, she frowned. What happened to staying in a populated area?
Then she saw the dozen small cabins dotted around a large lodge. Several cabins were bigger and located near a playground, while others were smaller and tucked farther into the trees.
“This looks nice,” she said with approval.
“Yeah, thanks, Matt,” Mike agreed.
Matt slid out of the driver’s seat and went around back to release Duchess. “I’ve already rented you a family-size cabin, so it will just take me a few minutes to sign off on the paperwork and pick up your keys.”
Shayla climbed out of the car and stretched. For the first time in hours she felt safe. Their respective phones were off and no one other than Matt knew they were here.
She opened Brodie’s door and gently nudged him. “Brodie? Time to wake up.”
“Nooo,” he whined, curling away from her. “Don’t wanna.”
It had been a long day and she figured he was entitled to be crabby. “Come on, don’t you want to see the playground?”
That had him opening his eyes, looking around curiously. When she reached in to unbuckle him, he frowned. “No. I want my daddy!”
His demand stabbed her heart like a lance. Trying not to show her deep emotional turmoil, she wordlessly stepped back, granting Mike room to reach in to get their son.
TWELVE
Brodie had called him daddy!
Joy washed over Mike, making him smile as he reached into the back seat of the SUV to release Brodie from his car seat. It wasn’t until he turned around to set Brodie on his feet that he noticed the wounded expression in Shayla’s eyes.
“Wanna play on the swings,” Brodie demanded.
“Ask your mother if she’ll give you permission,” he said in a firm tone.
Brodie looked up at her with large brown pleading eyes. “Can I, Mommy? Please?”
Shayla’s stiff features relaxed in a tiny smile. One that didn’t come close to reaching her eyes. “Of course.”
Brodie latched onto Mike’s hand, dragging him toward the swing set. Since Matt was still inside the main cabin getting their accommodations squared away, he lifted Brodie onto the swing and gave him a push.
His son’s gleeful laughter was in direct opposition to the gunfire they’d so recently left behind. Mike felt a lump form in the back of his throat, the close call hitting him all over again.
Gut-wrenching to realize how close he’d come to losing Shayla and Brodie at Hawk’s cabin. If he hadn’t insisted on leaving at that moment to head back to the city to visit her father, the gunman may have found them.
When Matt and Duchess emerged from the main cabin, he stepped back from the swing set. “Come on, Brodie. Let’s check out the cabin we’ll be staying in for a couple of days.”
His son ignored him, pumping his legs in an effort to leverage himself higher. “Push me again!”
He reached out and snagged the swing, bringing it to a stop. “You can play later.”
“No! Swing now!” Brodie held on to the chains of the swing as if it were a life jacket and he were drowning at sea.
“Get down, Brodie.” Shayla’s stern voice was welcome. Having just become a father over the past few day
s, Mike had no idea how to handle a three-year-old’s temper tantrum.
“Nooo...”
“Here’s your key.” Matt strode toward them with Duchess at his side. “You’ll be staying in cabin number five, closest to the playground. Figured that would help with the little guy.”
“Thanks.” Mike took the key.
Brodie continued to wail in protest despite Duchess trying to gain the child’s attention.
Mike noticed Shayla didn’t show any outward sign of annoyance at their son’s antics so he did his best to do the same.
“You want me to bring the box inside?” Matt asked.
“How do you feel about grocery shopping instead?” Mike asked, raising his voice so he could be heard above Brodie’s cries. “I can give you a short list. We’ll need something for dinner later and breakfast in the morning for sure. Plus some other basics.”
“Why not?” Matt glanced at Brodie and grinned. “Wow. That kid has a healthy pair of lungs.”
“Yeah.” Mike rattled off what they needed. “Let me grab the box before you leave.”
He followed Matt and Duchess to the SUV, glancing over at Shayla who stood staring up at the sky as if entranced by the clouds overhead. The intensity of Brodie’s wailing had diminished some and he sensed she was waiting him out.
His admiration for her grew as he better understood that she’d been dealing with Brodie alone for the past three years. How on earth had she managed?
“I’ll be back in an hour or so,” Matt said. He opened the back for Duchess, then went around to the front to slide in behind the wheel.
“Okay.” Mike shifted the box in his grasp so that he could free up one hand to unlock the door of cabin number five.
The interior was clean and quaint, not as rugged as Hawk’s place as it was designed for tourists rather than as a man cave for hunting and fishing. He set the box on the table and poked his head into each of the two bedrooms separated by a full bathroom.
No doubt Shayla would approve. He thought about the wounded look in her eyes when Brodie had asked for him. Did she resent the idea of him getting close to his son? Having a relationship with him?
