Danger and Desire: A Romantic Suspense Anthology

by Kimberly Kincaid

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  Levi by Maryann Jordan

  Lighthouse Security Investigations

  Synopsis

  Packed up, loaded up, and ready to move.

  Heading from Wyoming to Maine to take on his new position with Lighthouse Security Investigations, Levi was hauling his possessions on a leisurely trip across the country, enjoying the sights he rarely had the time to see in his former career with the FBI. Time to get off the highway and take the backroads.

  Stopping to help a stranded woman was not in his plans. Offering her a ride wasn't either, but the more he was around her, the more he liked her.

  Claire was on the run, grateful for the man who stopped to help, and discovered her traveling companion was someone she could fall for. But as her secrets came out, so did the danger.

  With the help of the LSI Keepers, can Levi untangle Claire's mystery in time to save her life?

  Lighthouse Security and Investigations

  The security and investigation company is filled with handpicked men and women from the SEALs, Rangers, Special Forces, Deltas, and Air Force Special Ops. All trained in CIA Special Operations, the Keepers were the best of the best and ready to take on any mission.

  Chapter 1

  “Hey, Levi. Bet you’re ready to head out.”

  Levi Amory grinned as he shut the door to his SUV while holding the phone with his other hand. It was late in the evening, but he planned on an early start the next morning. “You’ve got that right, Tate. The SUV’s tank is full, and the U-Haul is loaded.” Frank Tate was a friend and soon-to-be coworker.

  “So, you’re still starting out in the morning?”

  “Yeah, but don’t expect me right away. I’m going to take a whole week to drive to Maine. I’ll look like a fuckin’ tourist, but that’s what I’m going to be for a few days.”

  “Hell, after tours as a Ranger and agent with the FBI, you deserve a chance to be a tourist.”

  “That’s what I thought. With no family in the area, since I landed in Wyoming, all I’ve done is work for the Bureau. I haven’t had a vacation in years.”

  “Then you’re definitely due. The rest of the guys are looking forward to seeing you again, and we’ll have the cabin ready for you when you get here.”

  “Give Nora my best, and I’ll see you in a week.” Disconnecting, he continued to grin as he walked into his rental condo. When he first became an agent stationed in Wyoming, he had no idea how long he might be there, so it didn’t make sense to buy a house. He had found a condo at a reasonable rate, satisfied to rent. Now, as he stepped through the front door, it looked bare. Not that I was ever into decorating anyway.

  The sofa and bed would be left behind, not wanting to haul them across the country. His personal belongings and smaller pieces of furniture fit into the U-Haul trailer attached to his SUV. Living out of boxes for the past week had gotten old, but now, standing in the almost empty condo, it looked strange. Strange… yet good. It’s time for a change.

  The refrigerator and cabinets were cleaned out, so there was no food left in the condo. But then, he also didn’t have to worry about garbage to dispose of before leaving. Having eaten at a local diner for dinner, he planned to get breakfast on the road once he left in the morning.

  With nothing left to do but not yet ready to go to bed, he settled onto the sofa, his mind turning to the many places he’d lived and said goodbye to. An Army brat, he’d spent the first eighteen years of his life in nine different houses, some on bases. He had attended four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Packing up, moving, and saying goodbye had become second nature.

  For some, it was a hard childhood, but Levi liked his own company. His mom used to say that he could go days without playing with other children and be perfectly happy. Maybe that was just what I got used to… all the kids on the military bases were used to temporary friends.

  Once he joined the Army, his life was more barracks, more moves, more tours of duty. Becoming a Ranger gave him a sense of belonging, one that he discovered he loved. But years of special operations were hell on the body and the mind, and working as an agent for the FBI gave him the adventure he craved.

  Wyoming had been an interesting place to land. Plains and prairies, rolling hills and mountains, pastures and ranches and farms. The people were nice, but he made few friends. He had thought the Bureau would provide the same camaraderie that he’d found in the Army Rangers but discovered that he worked more alone than with others.

  Uttering a long sigh, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes, thoughts still moving through his mind. Tate had crossed his path months ago when Tate’s former girlfriend was kidnapped by a drug-running survivalist and taken into the mountains. Providing assistance, he discovered Tate worked for a private security company—Lighthouse Security and Investigations, based out of Maine. Owned by Mace Hanson, a former Special Forces and CIA Special Operator, the company hired other former military special ops, now known to each other as Keepers. Intrigued, Levi had found out all he could about LSI from Tate before interviewing for a position as one of LSI’s Keepers.

  He’d flown to the East Coast for the final interview with Mace and was stunned at the operation and facilities. Taking missions all over the world, LSI provided security and investigations for both private and government contracts. But, most importantly, they worked as a team, and the call to belong to a group again was strong.

  He looked out of the condo window toward the mountain range in the distance as the sunset painted the sky. Maine could not be more different from Wyoming. Thick, lush forests. Ocean waves crashing against the rocky coastlines. LSI was headquartered in a decommissioned lighthouse and adjoining house, extending deep inside reinforced caves below the ground at the edge of the ocean.

  He had met the other Keepers, and the decision to leave the FBI was clear. Now, he was anxious to start on the over two-thousand-mile trip. Opening his eyes, he stared at the ceiling for a moment, pondering his upcoming career change and move. Jesus, it’d be nice to find a place to settle. A place that I could call home. Maybe, just maybe, this will be it.

  The early morning drive passed with perfect weather, beautiful scenery, and virtually no traffic. Within three hours, Levi crossed into Nebraska, leaving Wyoming behind. He supposed some people would feel melancholic when leaving a place they’d lived and worked in, but Levi was ready. “If a man listens closely, he can tell when it’s time to make a new decision… plot a new course… have a new adventure. Then he knows it’s right.” His grandfather’s often-spoken words came back to him, and Levi knew the decision to leave the Bureau and Wyoming was right.

  When mapping out his journey, he’d decided to stick to the highway, considering he was pulling the trailer. Nebraska only had one major highway cutting through the middle, and when he first entered the state, the view was just like what he left in Wyoming. Eventually the mountains fell away, leaving rolling hills, scenic forests, and flat farmland. Other than stopping for gas and snacks, he pushed his way to North Platte before stopping for lunch.

  Foregoing the typical fast food chains, he found a local diner. Stretching his body as he alighted from the SUV, he caught the tantalizing scents of home cooking and his stomach growled its impatience. Once seated, the friendly waitress spouted off the specials, and he eagerly agreed with her recommendation. When she returned with his plate piled high, he dove into the barbecue meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Topping the meal off with iced tea and apple pie, he eyed his empty plate and hoped the large meal wouldn’t make him sleepy for the afternoon drive.

  “I saw you drive up with the U-Haul,” the waitress said as she refilled his glass. “You moving in or out?”

  “Heading east. This is my first real stop on the journey.” As he handed her cash for his lunch—including a large tip—he asked, “I plan on checking o
ut some of the Pony Express places. Got any recommendations?”

  Eyes as bright as her smile, she nodded with enthusiasm. “There’s the Gothenberg Station museum since you're heading east. It’s got a nice little museum at the old station, but I warn you, it’s not very big.”

  “Sounds like it’s just my thing.” With a nod and wave, he headed back outside. It didn’t take long to get to the museum, and, true to her description, it was small but packed with Pony Express memorabilia, pictures, and information. Nearby was an old barn, and he pulled out his phone, snapping a few pictures, finding the weather-beaten structure fascinating considering it had stood the test of time.

  Back on the road, he continued driving past Lincoln, having decided to spend the night at Ashland, home of the Strategic Air and Space Museum, a planned stop for the morning. As he pulled into the parking lot of the motel, he glanced at the odometer. A little over six hundred miles on the first leg of his journey. Not a bad start for my first day.

  Making sure to secure the U-Haul and his SUV, he headed inside to register and get his key. The older gentlemen sitting behind the reception desk greeted him warmly.

  “Just one night, and I need to be on the first floor where I can keep an eye on my vehicle.”

  “You’re in luck ‘cause it’s a slow night. It’ll be easy to put you where you want to be. Not much going on around here right now.” He ran Levi’s credit card before handing it back along with the room key. “We got us a little breakfast buffet, but I’ll warn you, it’s not real big. If you’re going to be traveling tomorrow, you can’t beat Mable’s Pancake House just down the street. Not expensive, and she’ll load you up with a good breakfast.”

  Tossing out his thanks and a smile, Levi headed to his room. Deciding to hit fast food for dinner, he walked two blocks and grabbed hamburgers, fries, and a milkshake. Once back in his room, he showered and lay on the bed. Television didn’t appeal to him, but he dug out a book from his bag and read until his eyes grew heavy. The last thought he had before falling asleep was that so far, his trip was uneventful… just the way he wanted it. Easy. Uncomplicated.

  Taking the advice of the receptionist, he had breakfast at Mable’s and stared wide-eyed at his plate loaded with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Looking around, he noticed the restaurant was mostly filled with couples, families, and gatherings of friends. It hit him that he was the only single person being served. Used to grabbing a meal while working, it had never caught his attention that he was generally alone. But here, in a popular restaurant located on a highway with many vacationers, it was glaringly evident.

  Accepting the server’s offer to take along a Pancake House travel mug of coffee, he settled behind the wheel and wondered if he was going to arrive in Maine ten pounds heavier than when he left Wyoming.

  Once at the Air Command and Aerospace Museum, he wandered through the Korean War and Aviation exhibits. With interest, he moved into the Aircraft Collection, his footsteps echoing in the large, uncrowded building. He stopped at one of the restored airplanes, then slowly walked around the perimeter.

  “It’s a beauty, isn’t it?”

  Turning, he noticed an older man standing near him, and he offered a chin lift. “Yes, sir. My grandfather flew a B-29 Superfortress during the Korean War. I still have a picture of him standing in front of his plane.”

  The older man’s bushy white eyebrows lifted to his forehead as he smiled widely. “No kidding?” He tapped his hand on his chest. “I’m a Korean War vet also, but I was in the Army. Came back and settled in this part of Nebraska. When I finally retired as a contractor, I told my wife that I’d go crazy sitting at home in a rocking chair, so I volunteer here.”

  Stepping closer, he shook the old man’s hand. “My dad was also Army. So was I. From what I understand, my grandfather wanted my dad to become a pilot in the Air Force also, but he was determined to go his own way.”

  The older man cackled and nodded. “Oh, the young generally want to forge their own path.” Cocking his head to the side, he said, “But you went into the Army like your dad.”

  “I suppose after being raised on Army bases all over the country, I couldn’t think of anything else to do.”

  The two men continued to walk around, admiring the aircraft. “Here’s another one from the Korean War. This one is the C-54 Skymaster. It was a passenger transport, probably not near as exciting as what your grandfather flew.” He looked over at Levi and asked, “You just visiting?”

  “Yes, sir. I’m changing jobs and changing scenery.”

  “You’re still young. This is the perfect time to try new things. I’ve loved my life, but I envy you. Sometimes, making a change is what keeps life exciting. Travel down a different road. It’s all about finding new adventures.”

  With handshakes and goodbyes, Levi left the museum, thinking about the older man’s words, so much like his grandfather’s. Exciting? Nah… I’d settle for simply interesting.

  His stomach rumbled, but he wanted to keep going. Opting for a drive through, he grabbed burgers and got back onto the highway. The mountains and rolling hills were left behind, and now the flat farmland of Iowa stretched out in front of him.

  Used to being by himself, he listened to the radio for a little while then flipped over to an audiobook on military history that he had just begun before leaving Wyoming. Once again, the stories reminded him of the tales his grandfather used to tell and found himself wishing he still had the older man to talk to. His grandmother would occasionally roll her eyes when his grandfather began his war tales, but Levi had always found them fascinating.

  He stopped occasionally in Iowa for gas and snacks while enjoying the non-crowded, leisurely drive. By dinner time he arrived at Davenport, Iowa, only slightly tired from the drive.

  Having made reservations at a higher-end hotel right on the edge of the Mississippi River dividing Iowa and Illinois, he stepped into the modern-furnished room overlooking the river. Feeling the need for exercise, he changed into his swim trunks and headed to the hotel pool. The cool, refreshing water sluiced over his body, and the exercise stretched his muscles that were unused to spending hours in the car. Climbing out of the pool after an hour, he shook his head, slinging water to the sides, ignoring the gazes of two women in loungers, their eyes pinned on him.

  Refreshed, his stomach growled, and he decided pizza delivered to his room would take care of his hunger. In the mood for a beer, he hit the hotel bar. As usual, it seemed that most people were paired together or in groups. Sitting at one end of the bar, he was nearly finished with his beer when a shadow fell across his drink. Glancing to the side, he saw a woman standing nearby.

  “It should be a crime to have a man that looks like you sitting alone in a bar. But if you told me you were waiting on someone, it might break my heart.”

  Lifting his brow, he thought her line definitely showed a touch of creativity, if probably practiced. Her dress was just on the tad side of being a little too short and a little too tight. Her blood-red fingernails were long and filed to a point, forcing him to hide the shudder that moved through him. “I was just finishing and getting ready to leave,” he said, hoping she would take the hint that he was not interested.

  Unfortunately, it seemed to have the opposite effect. Her eyes widened and so did her smile. She attempted to link her arm through his as she leaned closer. “Perfect timing for me!”

  Gently placing his hand over hers, he separated his arm from her claws and shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Good night.” With a slight incline of his head, he turned and walked out of the bar, her overexaggerated huff meeting his ears.

  Back in his room, he got ready for bed, but sleep did not come as readily. He thought about the woman that had approached him, knowing that an easy fuck was all she’d wanted. And while it had been his for the taking, a quick hotel-room fuck with a nameless woman would have tempted him when he was a much younger man but now no longer held any appeal. At thirty-two, he wanted more.


  His thoughts were interrupted when his phone vibrated. Glancing at the caller ID, he grinned. “Hey, Mom.”

  When his father had finally retired from the Army, his parents settled in North Carolina on the coast. His dad loved to fish, and his mom enjoyed walking on the beach and her book clubs. For them, it had been good to put down roots after thirty years of temporary homes. “Is everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. Your dad went out with some buddies today and came back with more fish tales than fish, I think. But he was happy, so that’s all that counts.”

  Chuckling, he had no problem imagining his dad having a good time out on the boat with buddies.

  “I’ll have you know I came home with two fish!” It sounded as though his father called from the other side of the room.

  “I guess you can tell I’ve got you on speaker so that your father can hear as well,” his mom said. “How’s the trip going?”

  “Hey, Dad. I actually stopped at the Air and Space Museum this morning and got to see the type of plane that Grandpa used to fly in the war.”

  His dad exclaimed in excitement, and they chatted for several minutes about the various planes. His mom, bored with their conversation, cut in, “So, when are you getting to Maine?”

  “Maybe sooner than I originally thought. I’m stopping and seeing a few sights, and while I don’t mind traveling by myself, I’m really looking forward to getting to the East Coast.”

  “I know you’ve always preferred having time to yourself, but I hate for you to drive on such a long trip with no one else for company.”

  He shook his head slightly at the subtle hint. As soon as he’d turned thirty, his mom had started dropping hints about wanting him to settle down and give her grandchildren.

  “It’s okay, Mom. I know you worry. But I’m fine with taking things slow. I’m enjoying the drive and listening to a few audiobooks.”