Shielding His Christmas Witness

by Laura Scott

  Marc drove straight over, no doubt recognizing his brother’s car. She found herself hoping they’d get the truck; at least they wouldn’t get stuck in the snow.

  As they rolled to a stop, the driver’s side doors of both vehicles opened and two tall men got out, hunching against the wind. They came right over to Marc’s car.

  She recognized Miles, smiling as he opened her door and poked his head inside. “You’re late. Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Thanks to Kari’s quick thinking we managed to get away from our tail.”

  Miles let out a whistle. “What did she do?”

  Marc grinned. “Tossed the ice scraper and shattered their windshield.”

  “Nice job,” Miles said with clear admiration in his tone.

  The other man whom she assumed was Mitch had opened Marc’s door. “How did they find you?”

  “I looked once already, but I’m thinking there must be some sort of tracking device on my car,” Marc said, picking up his phone from the center console and tucking it into his pocket. “I’m planning to leave it here because I don’t want anyone from the family driving it.”

  “We’ll see if we can find the device. If not, we’ll do as you suggested. These are the keys to Garrett’s truck,” Mitch said, handing a bulky key fob to Marc. “Garrett is pretty attached to it, so try not to wreck anything, okay?”

  “I’ll do my best,” Marc said grimly. “And if anything happens, I’ll take care of it.”

  “Need a hand, Kari?” Miles said, holding out his hand for her. “How’s that ankle?”

  “Sore,” she admitted. She took Miles’s hand and allowed him to help her out of the car. Marc’s brother was a harmless flirt and she suspected that if he knew she was pregnant, he’d disappear faster than she could blink. It made her smile to imagine his reaction.

  “Grab the computer, would you, Mitch?” Marc said brusquely as he came around the front of the car to meet her. He put his arm around her waist. “I’ll take it from here, bro.”

  “Sure thing,” Miles replied in a tone edged with humor. He dropped Kari’s arm and gave her a sly wink. She rolled her eyes at his antics. “Take good care of your witness, Marc. And let us know if you need anything else.”

  “Will do.” Marc helped her over to the huge truck. It was so high off the ground she wondered how she’d manage to get in.

  Marc opened the passenger-side door, then must have noticed the same issue as he planted his hands around her waist. “Hang on,” he advised. She braced her hands on his shoulders as he easily lifted her up and into the seat.

  “Thanks,” she murmured, hoping her cheeks weren’t turning too pink, and if they were, that his brothers would blame the snow.

  He smiled at her and nodded, waiting for her to swing her feet inside before shutting the door. As she sat shivering for a moment she was startled to realize just how handsome Marc was when he smiled.

  Too bad he didn’t do it more often.

  Mitch opened the back door and set the computer on the seat. He nodded in her direction but didn’t say anything more. It seemed that Mitch had a more serious nature, much like Marc’s and a complete opposite of the flirtatious Miles.

  And what about the other members of Marc’s family? She found herself curious about them, as well, especially his sister.

  What had it been like to grow up with five older brothers? She imagined they were protective of their baby sister and wondered if their macho attitude had driven his sister crazy, or if she’d appreciated their willingness to stand up for her.

  Kari would have liked having brothers around when she was growing up. But there was no sense in wishing for something she’d never have. Maybe someday she’d find someone who wouldn’t mind the fact that she had a baby by another man. And if not, that was okay, too.

  At least that’s what she told herself. But she knew that even though she could try to be the best possible mother, her child would always miss having a father.

  The same way she’d missed having one.

  * * *

  “Thanks for the help,” Marc said as he slapped his brothers on the back. “Keep in touch. I don’t like thinking that you’ll be followed.”

  “We can handle it,” Mitch assured him. “And if you need anything, let us know.”

  “I will.” Marc made his way back to the truck and quickly climbed in. “All set?” he asked Kari as he cranked the key, bringing the rumbling engine to life.

  “Of course.” She’d already latched her seat belt. In the rearview mirror he watched as his brothers circled his car, checking along the wheel well, searching for the tracker.

  As much as he wanted to stay and find the device himself, his priority right now was to get Kari someplace safe. Which meant getting away from the outlet mall.

  “Heated seats!” she exclaimed in surprise, putting her hand over the tiny pores in the leather.

  “It’s a luxury, isn’t it?”

  She nodded. “So now what? Where are we going?”

  “Another motel, I’m afraid.” He wished there was another option.

  “At least we’ll finally be safe,” she murmured, relaxing against the leather cushion.

  “Yeah.” Marc was relieved that they would no longer be in danger. However, he still needed to figure out who from the task force was after them.

  And unfortunately, he didn’t have any clue where to start. The thought that someone he worked with could be involved was unfathomable.

  But there wasn’t any other explanation.

  Logically, Marc knew that it could be any one of them, so he needed to find out who might be in trouble—financially, professionally or personally.

  Yeah, sure. Easier said than done.

  He drove through the snow, watching road signs for a potential place to stay. The decision to head east toward Milwaukee was a practical one. Since no one could find him through Garrett Rolland’s truck, he figured it would be best to stay closer to the city, since that was where the task-force members were located.

  “How about that place?” Kari asked, breaking into his thoughts. “The Silent Knight Motel? It has Wi-Fi and a restaurant across the street.”

  “Why not?” They’d been driving for less than an hour, but maybe she was hungry again.

  The Wi-Fi would come in handy, even though he’d rather use a secure server. Taking the next exit, he found the motel without difficulty and once again went in to obtain connecting rooms. Then he assisted Kari inside.

  “You need more ice for that ankle,” he said as she leaned heavily against him.

  “I know. I was hoping it would be much better by now.” She didn’t bother taking off her coat, but dropped into the closest chair. “Are you hungry?”

  “I could eat,” he said, although what he really wanted to do was to dig in to the investigation. “Do you want me to see if they do takeout? That way you don’t have to walk on that ankle.”

  Her face brightened with the possibility. “Oh yes, I would love that.”

  He crossed over to the information booklet that just about every motel room on the planet had and paged through to find information on local dining. Sure enough, not only did the Apple Grove restaurant offer takeout, but they included their entire menu in the booklet.

  “Here, decide what you want and I’ll call it in.”

  Thirty minutes later he returned with their dinner—grilled salmon and broccoli for Kari and barbequed spareribs for himself. Kari waited until he’d unpacked their meals and taken a seat before she bowed her head to pray. He followed her lead, knowing they had much to be grateful for.

  “Dear Lord, thank You for keeping us safe today and for the food You have provided for us. We ask that You continue to guide us on Your chosen path. Amen.”

  “Amen,” Marc echoed in a lo
w tone.

  Kari glanced up at him in surprise, and when she smiled, he felt something shift in his chest, her warmth and vulnerability getting to him in a way he’d never experienced before.

  But having feelings for his witness wasn’t appropriate. For one thing, he needed to stay focused on keeping Kari safe and feelings would only be a distraction.

  And even if the trial were over, he didn’t do relationships. Hadn’t his failed marriage to Jess proven that? She’d promised to love him in sickness and in health, but apparently not in boredom, during the long hours he worked late on a hot case.

  This feeling of intimacy, sharing a meal as the snow continued to fall outside the motel window, wouldn’t last. Not in the real day-to-day world. This was only an illusion.

  He dug in to his meal, enjoying the tangy zip of hot sauce that exploded on his tongue.

  “Those look amazing,” she said, eyeing his ribs with something akin to envy.

  “Do you want to try some?” He gestured to his container. “Help yourself.”

  She hesitated, then shook her head. “No, thanks, I don’t want to risk heartburn—something new since I’ve discovered I’m expecting.”

  Yeah, and then there was the fact she was pregnant. Kari had enough going on in her life right now.

  They ate in silence for several minutes, lost in their thoughts. Normally, Marc would work as he ate, but he sensed Kari wouldn’t appreciate that, so he refrained from reaching for his laptop sitting on the table to his left.

  His phone rang, and his gut sank when he recognized Miles’s number. “What’s wrong?”

  “We found the tracking device,” Miles informed him. “I’m not surprised you missed it—I almost missed it, too. We stashed it the bottom of a garbage can and dropped your car back at your place.”

  The initial spurt of fear faded. “Thanks, I’m glad to hear it. At least now I know they can’t track us any longer.”

  “That might not be entirely true, Marc. Is that computer you’re carrying around issued by the Feds?”

  He glanced at the laptop. “Yeah, so?”

  “Mitch and I were talking and we don’t think you should use it. The right person could trace the IP address to find you. Especially if you’re on an unsecure network.”

  Marc ground his teeth together in frustration. “Great, that’s just great. Why didn’t you think of that sooner? You could have brought me a different computer when we swapped rides.”

  “Hey, don’t blame me,” Miles said defensively. “Mitch is actually the one who thought about it.”

  Getting mad wouldn’t change anything so he blew out his breath in a resigned sigh. “Okay, I won’t use it tonight, but I need a new computer as soon as possible.”

  “Mitch is actually picking up a new device as we speak. I have to follow up on a new case I’ve been assigned, but he’ll bring it over tonight.”

  The tightness around his chest eased. “That would be good. I’ll give him a call.”

  “Later, then,” Miles said.

  He pushed the end button and set the phone aside.

  “Your brothers really care about you, don’t they?” Kari murmured.

  “Yeah, they do.” As much as his family drove him crazy at times, he couldn’t imagine his life without them. “Mitch is stopping by later.”

  “I’m glad.” She yawned widely, as if suddenly exhausted. “I don’t know why I’m so tired. It’s not like we did much today.”

  No, just ran from gunmen in an SUV, not once, but twice, hid in a barn and were now holed up in their third motel room of the day. “Are you finished eating?” She nodded, so he gestured toward the connecting room. “Why don’t you stretch out and put your ankle up on pillows. I’ll get some ice.”

  She took a few minutes to stack their discarded containers together in a neat pile before rising to her feet. He helped her hobble into the room, then grabbed the ice bucket and headed outside.

  The snow was still coming down, a good inch of accumulation already by his estimation. Maybe he’d catch up on the news and weather while he waited for Mitch to bring the laptop.

  Back inside the warm motel room, he swiped the snow off his shoulders before crossing over to pack some ice in a towel.

  Kari was lying on the bed, her left ankle propped up on a pillow. The bruise marring her pale skin looked worse to him, although the swelling was about the same. He gently draped the towel filled with ice over the top of her ankle.

  She let out a gasp, and he jerked toward her in alarm. “What? Did I hurt you?”

  “No, but I think I just felt the baby move.” Her eyes were wide with wonder. “Quick, put your hand here,” she said, pressing against the slight swell of her abdomen.

  He froze, but couldn’t force himself to move closer. “That’s great, Kari,” he said lamely. “Excuse me, but I have to check the weather.” He bolted from the room as if being chased by a rabid dog.

  Once he was back in his own room, he felt like a colossal fool. What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he share in something so beautiful?

  In a flash he was back in the cold, sterile morgue, identifying Jessica’s body, listening as the medical examiner explained that the blow to her head likely knocked her unconscious, so she didn’t suffer.

  And did he know his wife was three months along in her pregnancy?

  The ribs he’d enjoyed earlier threatened to erupt from his stomach, so he swallowed hard and did his best to push the memories aside.

  Kari’s miracle of new life had nothing to do with him. A fact he’d do well to remember.

  SEVEN

  Disappointment surged as Marc disappeared into his room, avoiding her. His refusal to share the thrill of the moment stung, more than it should. Obviously, this was his way of letting her know that while he might be willing to protect her, there wouldn’t be anything more between them.

  Not even friendship.

  Kari slowly rubbed a hand over her belly, hoping the baby would move again. Granted, the books on pregnancy had warned that the fluttering could also be nothing more than gas, but she didn’t think so.

  There! The fluttering beneath her fingertips came again, and this time she could tell by the way it felt that the movement was from the baby. She continued smoothing her hand over her slightly rounded abdomen, awestruck by the knowledge that she carried a tiny life deep within.

  She wondered if the baby was a boy or a girl, but also knew that she didn’t want an ultrasound to find out for sure. The sex of the baby one way or the other didn’t matter to her; she would love whatever God graced her with. And she wanted the gender of the baby to be a surprise.

  She listened to the muted voice of the television coming from Marc’s room; the distance separating them felt like miles rather than feet.

  Maybe she’d offended him in some way. Feeling her baby move was probably too personal. She had to remember that once she testified at trial, she wouldn’t see Marc again.

  A muffled thud outside had her jerking upright, her heart hammering in her chest. The gunmen couldn’t possibly have found her again.

  Then she heard Marc open his door, greeting someone on the other side. She relaxed back, remembering his brother Mitch was bringing over a new laptop.

  She strained to listen as they spoke.

  “Where are you going to start?”

  “I hope to dig into the financial situations of everyone involved in the task force.”

  “Seriously? Talk about an impossible task.”

  “I know, but the only other clue we have is the tattoo and so far that’s been a dead end.”

  “What does it look like?”

  Kari heard the rustle of paper and realized Marc was showing his brother her drawing.

  “Interesting design—you’re sure it�
�s a dead end?”

  “Nothing popped from the database. I suppose it’s possible there could be something local that I’m not aware of.”

  “A tattoo artist might know something. There’s a guy by the name of Jericho Nevis who works downtown in the third ward. Give him a call, see if he can shed some light on the design.”

  “Thanks, Mitch, I owe you one.”

  “Nah, you’d do the same for me. Let me know if you need anything more.” Kari heard the door open and shut as Mitch left the motel.

  She was glad Marc was going to keep working on the tattoo angle. She couldn’t help thinking a design that intricate meant something significant.

  More muted voices, either the television or Marc talking quietly on the phone, she couldn’t be sure which. Slowly, she relaxed, her eyelids growing heavy with fatigue, but when she heard another strange noise her eyes opened in alarm, every muscle in her body going tense. She glanced around the room, but of course nothing seemed out of place.

  The fact that the events of the past few days were lingering in her subconscious bothered her. They were safe here so she should be able to relax.

  She wished Marc were here, rather than in a different room. Would he think she was overly needy if she asked him to work here for a bit? Maybe, but wasn’t it worth feeling foolish if the tradeoff was that she’d get some sleep?

  “Marc?” She called his name before she could talk herself out of it.

  He materialized in the doorway between their rooms. “Yeah? Something wrong? Are you feeling okay?”

  “I’m just—a little on edge. Would you be willing to use your computer in here for a while? I can’t seem to relax being in here alone.”

  He hesitated, but then nodded. “Sure, not a problem.” He disappeared momentarily then returned carrying the new laptop. He sat at the small table that was an exact replica of the one in his room, and then sat down and reopened the computer.

  “Thank you,” she murmured.