Special Agent

by Valerie Hansen

  What had happened to the diamonds? Katerina could not have cared less. Wealth was not the answer to happiness. Oh, it could mask deficiencies for a while but in the end, a person needed much more. Like love and companionship. A mare like Moonlight. And, she thought, glancing at the knot of men gathered at the open barn door and spotting the FBI logo on Max’s vest, she needed him.

  Just then he turned and saw her. His wide grin spoke volumes as he broke away from the group and started to hurry her way. Moonlight whinnied. Katerina dropped the halter rope and rushed toward Max.

  They met, arms open for each other, and held tight.

  He stroked her back. “It’s over, honey. It’s all over. As soon as Opal and I clear out any hidden explosives this threat will end.”

  She desperately wanted his conclusion to prove true. “How can you be sure?”

  “Because I’m going to announce finding the diamonds and explain that they have been turned over to the prosecutor as additional evidence of motive in Reginald Dupree’s and Kyle’s trials. Even if the US Marshals can’t find Esme Dupree so we can put her on the witness stand, we’ll have a concrete reason why Kowalski was killed.”

  “And the drug charges?”

  “Yes. Those, too.”

  “Thank the Lord.”

  “I have been,” Max confessed. “You were right about my needing to come back to my faith. I’m real good at telling everybody else to accept the bad with the good. I just wasn’t as good at taking my own advice.” His smile softened and he tenderly kissed her.

  “Which am I?” Katerina asked, hoping with all her heart for a positive answer.

  “Good,” Max whispered against her lips. “Very good.”

  Sighing and enjoying their closeness, Katerina tried to wait for what she thought was coming. Three amazing kisses later Max relaxed his hold and started to say, “Well, I guess Opal and I...”

  “Hold it, Special Agent West. You’ve forgotten something.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Yes, you have. Aren’t you going to ask me to marry you and go to Montana?”

  A stunned look replaced his smile.

  “Uh-oh.” Katerina felt like weeping. “I was mistaken?”

  After seconds that felt like hours to her, Max recovered and quirked a smile. “That might be the only way I can keep you out of trouble." He eyed the open stall. "That was not the smartest move you've ever made."

  "I did it for the right reasons, though."

  His smile spread. "That's debatable. So, could you ever bring yourself to leave California?”

  That was a very positive sign. “Watch how fast I can pack.”

  “You haven’t asked me anything about my plans for the future or where I live or what my job entails. How do you know you’d be happy?”

  “I’ll be with you. What else matters?”

  Judging by the way his shoulders relaxed and his smile returned, this conversation was going to end well.

  Gazing deeply into her eyes, Max said, “I have a ranch in Montana. My brothers and I are co-owners but they pretty much let me do my own thing. There’s even room for your horse.”

  “There is?” Squealing with delight she threw her arms around Max’s neck. He swung Katerina in a circle and kissed her again.

  “Does that mean your answer is yes,” he teased.

  “Well...” Katerina was so happy she was giddy. Bursting into laughter she managed a quick “Yes!”

  * * *

  It didn’t surprise Max to see that most of the remaining law officers were grinning at him and Katerina. If he’d witnessed their interchange he would have been, too. As it was, he had trouble wiping the smile off his face long enough to do a thorough search of the Garwood Ranch.

  An encounter with Bertrand as paramedics treated his superficial wound gave him a chance to ask about buying Katerina’s horse.

  “No need,” the older man said. “It’s hers. I heard you two talking in the barn. She can take the mare and I’ll throw in a new truck and trailer for the trip.”

  “Really?”

  Garwood nodded. “Yes. She earned it with all the work she did around here as a teenager. I paid her entry fees and outfitted her and the horse, but she never got wages the way the other trainers did. It’s recently been pointed out to me that I wasn’t a fair boss.”

  “It’s true that your foreman set the first bomb here. We found components in his pickup.”

  “Ah, so that’s why his room was so clean. I wondered.”

  “He’ll have to be tried.”

  “I’ll think about getting him a lawyer. We do go way back.” He winced. “Ouch.”

  The paramedic merely smiled as if enjoying doctoring the usually pompous mayor.

  “Have you been over the whole ranch yet?”

  “Yes,” Max said. “Opal and I located three sets. If Kyle had been able to get a cell signal when he tried, there wouldn’t be much left of this place but it’s safe now.” Looking around and taking in the bucolic setting, Max added, “Have you seen Katerina?”

  “Yeah. She’s in the barn where we had all the fun. I saw her go in there with one of the farm dogs.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You treat her good, you hear.”

  Max saluted casually. “It will be my pleasure.” In retrospect he wasn’t totally sure how he’d gotten himself engaged so fast but he wasn’t going to complain. They didn’t have to rush into a wedding although he had no qualms about doing it. Katerina was perfect for him. He’d known that from their first meeting and had not changed his mind since.

  He went straight to the barn and began searching stalls. If not for Opal he might have missed spotting her in the shadowy rear corner of one unoccupied by a horse. What it did hold, besides the love of his life, was the black lab she had mentioned before. The dog was happily nursing a squirming litter.

  “Pups! How many?”

  “Five.” Katerina smiled up at him.

  Max crouched next to her, blocking Opal so she wouldn’t bother the new mother. “What’s her name?”

  “Dad usually called her something else, but to me she’s Baby.”

  “Since she’s a lab, her temperament is probably unsuited for attack or protection, but those pups may have what it takes to be trackers. When we finish an assignment, my team always brings back one or more new prospects for the trainers to test. Would you mind if we adopted a couple of these little guys?”

  “I think that would be wonderful. I’d already decided to ask Dad to let me take the mama with me.”

  Chuckling, Max said, “Well, if you’re going to ask him, do it while he’s in such a good mood.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I offered to buy your mare for you and your dad told me he was giving her to you. Her and a rig for hauling her. He called it back wages.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’re serious?”

  “Totally. Now all we have to do is plan for you to follow me back to Billings.”

  He saw her sober as she glanced at the puppies and their mother. Although she didn’t say so, he figured she was worried about them if she left too soon.

  “Why don’t we do this?” Max began. “I’ll stay here as long as my assignment can be extended. If no more problems surface now that the Dupree hired gun is in jail, I’ll arrange to fly back to visit as often as possible until you and these little guys are ready to travel.”

  “What excuse can you possibly use?”

  “The truth should do it. If not, I’ll claim I also need to evaluate these pups before I make a final selection.”

  “Okay, as long as your choice of a wife doesn’t change.”

  “Honey,” Max rasped, afraid his emotions would give away how close he was to weeping with joy. “I
have never had a woman propose to me before. I wouldn’t dare change my mind. You already have me scared silly.”

  “You? The self-important, special agent in the protective vest with your calling printed big enough to read from outer space? You? Scared of me?”

  Max pulled her gently to her feet and wrapped her in his embrace. “Only of losing you,” he whispered against her hair. “I want us to be together for eternity.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Katerina said softy.

  With pups making contented sounds and the two adult dogs panting in the background, Max closed his eyes and kissed the woman who would soon be his bride.

  EPILOGUE

  Katerina had no doubt Max would keep his word, and he did. They spent many happy hours working with the young lab puppies and he chose two. She adopted the mother dog and couldn’t wait to take them all with her to their new home in Montana.

  All three canines, plus Opal and several of the other FBI K-9 officers, attended their outdoor nuptials in Yosemite National Park. The weather was perfect and except for a wild whitetail deer who decided to crash the party and nearly created chaos amidst the dogs, the ceremony went off without a hitch.

  Afternoon sun reflected off Half Dome. A breeze ruffled Katerina’s veil. Wildflowers bloomed in abundance thanks to a few brief showers in weeks prior. And, wonder of wonders, Bertrand Garwood gave the bride away.

  Dylan O’Leary was Max’s best man. Katerina hardly noticed him as the music began and she started walking toward her destiny. The best man in the world was her very own Special Agent Max West.

  He beamed the moment he caught sight of her and never took his eyes off her until she stood beside him, holding his hand, and handed her bouquet to maid of honor, Zara Fielding, Dylan’s betrothed.

  “I can’t believe this is happening,” Katerina whispered to Max.

  “You still want to go through with it so soon?”

  “Yes.” She smiled behind the thin white veil. “I’ve dreamed of being married here since I was a little girl. Thank you for agreeing instead of telling me I was being silly the way everybody else did.”

  Max was grinning. “All right, then. Let’s do it.”

  * * *

  Max hadn’t had to coerce his family members to attend. They were all delighted, not only that he had found someone like Katerina but that they also got to make a vacation out of the trip.

  As they posed for professional photos in the shade of a mighty oak, he gave his bride a quick hug. “I told you my family would love you.”

  “I was less worried about them than I was my own dad. He sounded more mellow right after the barn shooting but I wasn’t sure that change would last.”

  “I know. I had a little talk with him.”

  Katerina began to giggle.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I thought the father of the bride was supposed to have that talk with the groom, not the other way around.”

  Max appreciated her humor. “Ah, but I was already perfect. He was the one who needed an attitude adjustment.”

  “You’re modest, too, I see.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Katerina sobered slightly. “I’m sorry your whole unit couldn’t be here. Last-minute assignments?”

  “Yes. Harper was the most upset to miss seeing us get married. They got another hot tip on Penny Potter and she had to go follow up.”

  “The brother of the missing agent?”

  “Yes. We figured he’d be the most likely to recognize Jake from a distance, in case he’s no longer being held captive as some are starting to suggest. Plus, Harper needed the backup.”

  “Backup? Besides that gorgeous German shepherd I saw in the picture with her? I can’t imagine why. He looks ferocious.”

  Max noticed his bride smiling at the little coal-black pups following their mother and tripping over tufts of soft grass. “Those two sure don’t look mean.”

  “I know,” Katerina agreed. “They’re adorable. I’ll have to really work to keep from spoiling them.”

  “Our trainers will teach you how.”

  She sighed and nodded, leaning closer to tuck herself under his arm. “Know what the best part is?”

  “No, what?”

  “We’ll all have homes where we’re loved and accepted just as we are.” She gazed up at him with love. “Even me.”

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed SPECIAL AGENT, look for Cara’s story, the next book in the CLASSIFIED K-9 UNIT series, BOUNTY HUNTER by Lynette Eason.

  And don’t miss a book in the series:

  GUARDIAN by Terri Reed

  SHERIFF by Laura Scott

  SPECIAL AGENT by Valerie Hansen

  BOUNTY HUNTER by Lynette Eason

  BODYGUARD by Shirlee McCoy

  TRACKER by Lenora Worth

  CLASSIFIED K-9 UNIT CHRISTMAS by Terri Reed and Lenora Worth

  Keep reading for an excerpt from ROCKY MOUNTAIN SABOTAGE by Jill Elizabeth Nelson.

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  Dear Reader,

  As my pastor is fond of pointing out, the past does not have to dictate our future unless we let it. We can be forgiven and turn the page to a new life in Christ if we will surrender to Him. Yes, there may be lingering consequences, but the Lord will help us deal with those and make something great out of what we’ve learned from past mistakes.

  Katerina was too naive and Max too hardened by life, yet they found a middle ground and allowed themselves to embrace change as well as forgiveness.

  Every new day is a gift to you from your Father in Heaven. Don’t waste it wishing you could change the past. Look toward the future and trust the Creator.

  Blessings,

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.

  You enjoy a dash of danger. Love Inspired Suspense stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.

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  Rocky Mountain Sabotage

  by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

  ONE

  Lauren Carter ground her teeth together as she glared down at rugged Rocky Mountain scenery. Her breath formed patches of milky condensation on the window of the charter jet she’d boarded a little over three hours ago in New York. Thousands of feet below, cloud-wreathed peaks stabbed toward the plane’s belly. A little lower, snow-whitened troughs outlined with black ridges resembled an enormous, raggedly striped quilt. Quite breathtaking. She might actually start enjoying this impromptu fall vacation trip to California if not for her mother’s annoying question rattling around her brain like a rogue ping-pong
ball.

  What do you think of our handsome pilot? Why couldn’t the two of them have a relaxing getaway—try to rebuild some of the closeness they once shared—without Mom angling to set her up with any male old enough to shave but not yet eligible for a midlife crisis?

  Fortunately, that criteria left out the other five passengers on the plane. The executives from three different investment corporations were transportation-pooling to some convention in San Francisco. All of them appeared old enough to be the father Lauren had barely known. One even looked old enough to be her grandfather. And since the copilot, who doubled as cabin attendant, was a female of about Lauren’s age of thirty-one, that left Kent Garland on Mother’s list—the pilot with sun-streaked brown hair, a chin like one of these rocky ridges, and a gray gaze as cool as one of the snowy peaks. Handsome? Sure, if a woman liked the rugged type.

  Something small and hard jabbed Lauren’s knee. Mom’s fingernail, of course. If she had to lean across the space between their facing seats in order to gain Lauren’s attention, the woman was serious about getting an answer.

  “Did you hear what I asked, dear?” Mom uttered her words in that quiet, refined-sugar tone she reserved for “discreet” conversation.

  Lauren met her mother’s stare. “If I had a nickel for every time you’ve asked something like that, my school loans would be paid off.”

  Mom’s full mouth puckered and long lashes lowered over true-blue eyes, but not in time to disguise irritation. The brightening pink tinge across her mother’s high cheekbones betrayed embarrassment at the volume of her daughter’s voice. Lauren’s face heated as several executives, two seated on the nearby couch and the elder statesman in a leather-bound seat kitty-corner across the aisle, looked up from laptops or Wall Street magazines.

  She heaved an internal sigh. Face it, girl. Your mama is the quintessential Georgia peach, soft and sweet on the outside, but all hard-core on the inside. And you are and always have been a steel safe on the outside and a hot mess on the inside.

  From old photographs and fuzzy, small-child memories, Lauren had long ago become aware that she’d inherited her auburn hair, green eyes, height and build from her AWOL father—which made her something of an Amazon around most other women and many guys. She must have also inherited from him her tendency to erect ironclad walls around her heart. Or maybe that was just how she protected herself from experiencing that kind of abandonment again. At least she wasn’t the sort who ran out on family and responsibilities when the going got a little rocky. She assured herself of that fact often, but the balm of self-righteousness did little to soothe the stupid, nagging ache in her core.