As they zoomed past a stand of trees, the scene spread before them. Sparks showered her roof from a blaze in nearby branches. This time, there was no storm to put it out, only whatever protection remained from the fireproofing Casey’s parents had applied.
Jack had left her car across the driveway and a safe distance from the house, although he was nowhere in sight. A few yards ahead of it, at a skewed angle, sat the Godwins’ other car.
“Oh, my gosh.” Jean’s hand flew to her cheek. “It is him.”
“Where are they?” She barely restrained her impatience as Mimi pulled into the parking bay. “I’ve got to find Jack.”
“We ought to think this through,” her friend advised. “You won’t do him any good if you get yourself hurt.”
Although Casey’s instincts urged her to race into action, she could see the point. “Let’s circle the house to see if we can locate him. He might need help.”
“Owen, too!” Mrs. Godwin said. “Whatever he’s done, he isn’t in his right mind.”
“I’ll wet down the roof,” Mimi volunteered.
Moving as fast as she could with the extra weight of the baby, Casey led the way along the connecting path toward the house. At first, she saw nothing except flickering light and showers of sparks, and then she made out movements beyond the structure, in the playground.
Hurrying forward, she spotted two male figures locked into a struggle on the ground. She hesitated, aware that if she distracted Jack by calling to him, she might unwittingly aid his opponent.
Jean caught up. Shakily, she called. “Owen, it’s me, dear! You have to stop this and come home!”
The struggle on the ground intensified. From underneath, an arm waved wildly. Then a shot rang out.
Mrs. Godwin screamed, and Mimi came running. “Mom! Are you hurt?”
“No. Who got shot?”
Was it Jack? Casey’s heart thundered so hard she could barely breathe.
Mimi tried to soothe her mother. “Maybe it went wild.”
On the playground, one of the men rolled astride the other and pinned his arms behind him. Firelight wavered across the pair, bringing out Jack’s grim determination as he wrenched the gun from his fallen foe’s hand.
Casey’s spirits soared. He was all right. Dirty and sweaty and streaked with soot, but in one piece.
At last she noticed the sirens wailing toward them from town. From closer at hand came the crunch of tires in the parking bay.
On the far side of the playground, two figures emerged—Matt and Bo. A moment later, Larry ran up, apparently having driven over from the neighboring land.
“What’s going on?” He noticed the men on the playground. “Never mind. I see them.” He sprinted over and knelt beside Jack. “I got here as soon as the chief reached me. Is it Owen?”
“I’m afraid so.” Jack yielded his captive, whom the officer handcuffed. “He set the tree on fire and tried to shoot me.”
Tears ran down Jean’s cheeks as her daughter hugged her. Casey wished she could soften their pain.
After that, events happened quickly. The chief arrived, followed a short time later by a fire crew that made short work of the blaze. Owen himself remained well enough to snap at his wife to stop fussing over him.
The transient, Larry reported, had produced gas and grocery receipts showing he’d been driving cross-country during the earlier attacks. Disgruntled at being questioned, the man had vowed to depart in the morning.
“Good work,” Jack told him. “I’m glad you thought to ask for the receipts.”
“I wish I’d stuck around,” Larry said. “I should have been the one to bring him down.”
“It was a team effort,” Jack replied. “Everybody shares the credit.”
“That includes our civilian patrol,” Larry added with an uncharacteristic touch of generosity. Perhaps Jack’s approach was rubbing off. “I knew I could rely on them.”
Matt ducked his head modestly. Bo drew himself up straighter.
The chief shook Jack’s hand. “You’re my kind of guy, Mr. Arnett.”
Mimi indicated the handcuffed Owen, who sat sullenly in the rear seat of the police cruiser. “Do you have to take him to jail?” she asked. “You can see my dad’s not well.”
“I’m afraid he’ll have to face charges,” Roundtree said. “I’d suggest you hire the best lawyer you can find.”
“Dad says he doesn’t want one.”
“I know. He told me that when I read him his rights,” said the chief. “But he’s going to need one. If this is handled properly, he might end up in a treatment facility rather than a prison, although I don’t suppose that’s for me to say.”
“I hope so.” Mimi blinked back tears. “My mom wants him at home, but we obviously can’t handle him.”
“I’m so sorry,” Casey said.
“I’m just glad everyone’s all right.” Her friend retreated to relay the response to her mother.
Jack went to the cruiser, where he crouched near Owen and began questioning him. Casey wished he’d hurry.
Police work took a lot longer in real life than it did on television, she reflected. Although she longed to throw her arms around her husband, it appeared she’d have to wait quite a while for that.
At last he returned to consult with Roundtree and Larry. Since no one objected to Casey’s presence, she listened in. Not that she’d have let them chase her off her own property.
“Godwin admits to damaging the mailbox a few weeks ago and to squirting my wife with a hose, but he says he had nothing to do with vandalizing my car or setting the fire at Enid’s,” Jack reported. “He contends that’s what gave him the idea to try arson tonight.”
“Do you believe him?” Larry inquired.
“The guy’s not exactly in full possession of his faculties,” Jack replied. “For one thing, he kept referring to my wife as Denise, which was her mother’s name. If he’s confusing the two of them, I don’t see how he can distinguish exactly between what he has and hasn’t done.”
The chief seemed satisfied. “We’ll step up patrols around here in case there’s another prowler. Still, I’d be surprised if we find one.”
A short time later, Enid and Gail returned. The retired teacher did her best to comfort Jean and reassure her that she held no grudges about the fire at her place.
Gail glared at Owen through the open door of the cruiser. “How could he?” she demanded of no one in particular. “That awful, evil man. Someone ought to string him up.”
Casey had never seen the nurse so angry. “He’s senile, not evil.”
“There’s always an excuse, isn’t there?” Gail said. “He resents the baby. That’s what’s behind this.”
“He resented my parents,” she corrected. “He’s got me confused with them. He thinks he should have been the one to buy the Pine Woods.”
The nurse shook her head as if waking from a daze. “Do you know who he reminded me of a moment ago? With that mean expression on his face, he looked like Dean.”
“I’m sorry this whole business brings back such awful memories for you,” Casey said. “Thank goodness it’s over.”
“You shouldn’t be standing out here in the cold,” Gail added. “You go on inside and take the weight off your feet.”
“I guess you’re right.” Although she hated to leave the scene, there was no chance to talk with Jack, anyway.
It was at least another hour before the last official vehicle departed. In the house with her feet up, Casey had plenty of time to think about what she wanted to say to Jack, assuming he wasn’t too exhausted to talk.
So much hung in the balance. With her attacker captured, his reason for coming here had vanished. But despite his protective mechanisms, she hoped he’d begun to realize tonight that home wasn’t a single household but a community where people pulled together.
He not only belonged in Richfield Crossing, he had the potential to become a real leader. Sure, it might take a while to re-establish him
self, but surely that came second to being with his wife and daughter and many new friends.
When Jack walked inside, however, she forgot everything except how much she wanted to hold him. Hauling herself off the couch, Casey said, “Thank you.”
“For what?” He seemed puzzled.
“For saving me from Owen Godwin, for one thing.” She wound her arms around him and drank in the heady male scent of a man who’s been in a knockdown, drag-out fight. “You’re my knight in shining armor.”
She could feel his grin against the top of her head. “More of a sore knight in dusty armor.”
Casey wasn’t sure she could fulfill her earlier intention of seducing him. Still, she longed for physical closeness. “How about if I give my hero a massage?”
“That sounds like a plan.” Tipping up her chin, he studied her tenderly. “I’m glad you called me to catch this guy. I get the chills thinking about you and Diane out here alone with that maniac running around.”
Stay and be my protector for always. Casey swallowed the words. She wasn’t going to pressure Jack.
“Before I get my massage, I’d better hit the shower,” he added.
“I like the way you smell right now.”
He stroked her hair. “Do you like my muddy clothes, too? I could dress this way all the time and save a lot on laundry bills.”
“Actually, I’d prefer you naked,” she told him.
He shook his head in amazement. “Under other circumstances, I’d take you up on that remark, so be careful what you say.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “Go ahead. Strip.”
“Excuse me?” The disbelief in those green eyes nearly undid her. How could a man look so cute and so totally male at the same time?
“Laundry,” she told him. “I’ll throw that stuff in the wash before any stains can set.” As he hesitated, she went to the window and drew the curtains. “Now even the squirrels can’t see you.”
“Right here in the living room?” He chuckled. “Well, okay. I appreciate the offer.”
Not waiting for him to take action, Casey unzipped his corduroy jacket. After he shrugged it off, she could feel his heart thrumming beneath her hands as she unworked his shirt buttons.
“I didn’t know you were going to help,” he murmured.
“You’ve worked hard enough for one night.” Casey liked handling Jack. It thrilled her to feel him relaxing in her hands, letting her touch him anywhere she pleased—his chest, his belt, his hips…
His breathing accelerated. She circled behind him and drew off his shirt, relishing the sight of his muscular back.
Lamplight played across a scar on his shoulder blade. “What’s that from?” she asked, fingering it. She’d always assumed he’d incurred it during his police work but now she wanted to know everything about him.
“My dad had a bad temper.” He kept his face averted.
“He beat you?” Leaning forward, Casey kissed the mark. “That must have been horrible.”
“I never think about it any more.” He turned so unexpectedly that she found herself kissing his chest, which was fine with her.
“Any more scars you want me to exorcise?” She peeked up at him.
“One right here.” He tapped the corner of his jaw.
Casey noted a faint mark she’d scarcely registered before. “Also from your dad?”
“No, that happened at school. A bully threw his book bag at me.”
She kissed his jaw. “All better. Anything else?”
“I’ve had a tough life,” Jack murmured. “I’ve been bruised almost everywhere.”
Casey, who’d already undone his belt buckle, unzipped his pants. “Down here?”
“Honey, I’m not asking you to…”
She ran her hands over him and enjoyed the way his breathing quickened. “Why don’t we make that a shower for two?”
“You’ll need to undress too.” His palm cupped her full breast, heating her right through the fabric of her dress.
The idea of removing Jack’s clothes in the front room hadn’t bothered her, but Casey felt awkward about her own oversized appearance. “Why don’t you go get the water started and I’ll join you?”
“Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed!” Jack ran his hands down her derriere and drew up her skirt hem.
“No such thing!” He’d already seen her in the tub, she reminded herself. Besides, his stroking brought a delicious flush to her intimate places.
Encircling her, Jack unzipped the dress. Within a few minutes, they’d shed the last of their garments.
Bare skin brushed bare skin as he commanded a long kiss. She meant to take this slowly and enjoy arousing him until his last reserve fell away, but the heat and scent of him thrilled Casey’s senses.
She was the one who couldn’t get enough of being fondled, the one aglow with sensations as he drew her onto the folded-out couch. Jack used his lips and palms with just the right amount of command, pausing to let her catch her breath and then heightening his motions.
Casey gave up attempting to apply the brakes as a wave of sheer exuberance swept over her. Just as she thought the ecstasy would drive her crazy, it peaked in a rainbow fountain that shot up to the sun.
Even though her own passion ebbed, she felt the tension in Jack’s body beside her. He remained marvelously erect, she found when her hand strayed downward, and acutely sensitive.
Despite the clumsiness of her bulge, she shifted position. “I promised to heal all the wounded parts of you,” she reminded him. “How’s this?”
Jack gazed at her with excited anticipation. They’d never done this before, because they’d always been able to make love the conventional way.
As her mouth closed over him, Casey felt him vibrate in response. She teased him along carefully, drawing out the process for maximum pleasure until shudders wrenched Jack and he yielded helplessly.
Casey had never felt so close to her husband. With this form of lovemaking, it seemed as if they’d surrendered to each other.
Dimly, she noticed that he went to throw their clothes in the washer and then to take a shower. She meant to join him, but sleepiness overwhelmed her.
A deep sense of peace flowed through her. After what they’d just experienced, how could Jack do anything but stay?
* * *
A MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HIGH kept him awake for a time after he returned to bed. He loved lying here beside Casey, basking in her warmth and alive to the sensual flow of her hair across the sheets.
He’d felt a new kind of passion with her tonight. In a way, this didn’t surprise him, because he’d already been flying on all cylinders after helping run the security operation.
Jack had discovered from his first days at the police academy that he entered a higher plane of awareness each time he went on alert, the way he imagined an actor must feel when he stepped on stage. It started the adrenaline pumping and honed his senses.
Casey had known exactly what he needed afterwards. The result had been a complete connection that engulfed them both.
If only he could have both worlds. If only she’d come back to L.A. with him. He knew better than to count on it, though.
Maybe, despite her earlier refusal, she’d be willing to reconsider the idea of a long-distance marriage. At least they’d get to spend some time together and, while he was overseas, she could stay here with the friends who meant so much to her. And Jack had to admit he wouldn’t mind visiting Richfield Crossing frequently.
It seemed a reasonable compromise to him.
* * *
IN THE MORNING, Casey awoke with a languorous sense of peace, despite the grayish storm-tinged light seeping through the translucent curtains. The threat that had hung over her had vanished, and her body still tingled from the passion she’d experienced last night. Who cared if the forecast called for rain?
She heard Jack moving around in her office and wondered why he’d arisen so early. But perhaps it wasn’t quite as early as she imagine
d.
Pushing herself into a sitting position, she found her wristwatch on an end table. Eleven o’clock. She really had slept late.
“Jack?” Receiving no answer, she swung her feet over the edge of the bed, then realized she had no clothes to put on. She went into the bedroom for her robe before checking on her husband.
Standing in the doorway to the office, Casey stared in dismay. His back to her, Jack was tucking one neatly folded item after another into his suitcase.
She didn’t need to ask what it meant. The answer was obvious.
He’d decided to leave.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“What’re you doing?” she asked in shock.
He glanced up. “Hey, I’m sorry. I realize I should have told you sooner, but I’ve got a plane to catch.” To Casey, his casual pose didn’t ring quite true. He was ducking out on her and he knew it.
“How long have you been planning to leave today?” she demanded.
“Since Tuesday.” Jack went on packing.
She couldn’t believe it. “And you never bothered to mention it?”
“You were aware I’d be done here once we caught the prowler.” He kept his gaze focused downward, away from her.
“I didn’t realize you’d be hitting the road the first chance you got!” The whole time she’d been trying to win her husband back, he’d already set the date of his departure! “What a rotten thing to do!”
Was that guilt fleeting across his handsome face? “I didn’t know we were going to make love last night,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to string you along. Casey, I have a commitment in Athens.”
Although she understood that sarcasm wouldn’t help, she was too upset to weigh her words. “Couldn’t you have picked somewhere even further? How about Indonesia? Or maybe Siberia?”
Jack stuffed socks around the edges of the suitcase. “Maybe next time. After all, I’ve got to rack up those frequent flier miles or they might rescind my card.” His attempt at humor fell flat.
Casey’s anger yielded to hurt. “Why can’t you see that those miles are taking you away from home?”
“This isn’t my home,” he said sadly. “I wish it were, but it’s not.”
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