Cynthia, Mallory’s mom, touched her husband’s arm. “It’s okay, William. From what Mallory’s told us, this could have happened anywhere. We’re lucky she wasn’t killed.”
Mallory’s parents had arrived half an hour ago. After their initial relief, her dad had wasted no time telling her what she was going to do with the rest of her life.
“I still think you should move back home with us—even if it’s only while your arm is healing. You’re going to need specialist medical care.”
“I’m a physical therapist, dad. I know what I have to do. And Bozeman has a great hospital.”
Cynthia smiled. “Your dad forgets that you’re a grown woman. Tell me about Grant—he seems like a nice man.”
Mallory glanced at her dad. They knew about Fletcher Security and the help John had given her, but she hadn’t told them very much about Grant. They’d seen him when they arrived and shared the type of conversation that most people do when they meet each other for the first time.
“Grant owns a cattle ranch that’s about an hour and a half from Bozeman.”
“He’s a cowboy?”
Her dad didn’t seem impressed. “There’s nothing wrong with raising cattle. He’s a good person.”
Cynthia pulled a chair closer to Mallory’s bed and sat down. “I imagine that owning a ranch is a busy job.”
“He’s also part of a search and rescue team and was in the military.”
Her dad looked a little less worried, but not much. “And it was his cabin you went to in Saddle Butte?”
Mallory nodded. “As soon as the police and Fletcher Security started investigating the files we found, Juan Garcia must have become worried. I guess he thought I might have access to even more information. After my home was broken into I moved in with Tess. When Andrew was hit by a car, Grant and his brother wanted me to go somewhere safe. No one was supposed to know about Saddle Butte—it would have been the perfect place to hide if Andrew hadn’t planted the tracking device on me.”
Cynthia sat back in the chair. “I can’t believe any of this happened.”
“What I can’t understand is why we’re hearing about this now,” Mallory’s dad said.
“There was nothing you could have done. If you knew, it could have put your life at risk.”
“You could have told us about the letters.”
Mallory knew her dad meant well, but he didn’t understand how frightened she’d been. “The person who sent them threatened to kill me. I needed to leave Orlando. Tess was always telling me I needed to visit her, so I did. Everything else just fell into place.”
“Until you remembered what Simon said to you before he died?”
“Yes.”
Cynthia kissed Mallory’s cheek. “I’m incredibly grateful to Grant and his brother. The doctor told us it was because of them that you’re still alive.”
“I’m lucky I met them. If I hadn’t, something could have happened to me a long time ago.” She looked at her dad. “Where are you staying in Havre?”
“John booked us into the hotel where he’s staying. Two security staff will follow us while we’re here.”
“Will you be okay?”
Her dad stood up. “We’re Frasers. Of course we’ll be okay.” He kissed Mallory’s cheek. “I’ll go to the cafeteria and buy everyone a drink. What would you like?”
“A lemonade would be great.”
“Coffee for me,” Cynthia said. “Check with the men outside. I’m sure bodyguards need coffee, too.”
Mallory sighed as her dad left the room. Their bodyguards would need more than coffee. If Juan Garcia wasn’t found soon no one would be safe.
***
Grant sipped his coffee and stared through the cafeteria window. Mallory was a lot better. If all went well, her doctor said she could go home tomorrow.
He wasn’t sure where ‘home’ would be. Mallory’s parents would probably want to take her to Orlando. The only thing that might change their minds was that the flight was long. Two days after being shot wasn’t the best time to board a commercial flight.
But eventually, from her parents’ perspective, it would make sense to leave Bozeman. Mallory wouldn’t be able to work at the hospital for a few months and skating wouldn’t be a good idea.
He watched the cars pull in and out of the hospital’s parking lot. Asking her not to leave seemed selfish. He’d only met her parents briefly, but they seemed like decent people. She was their only child and they were worried about her, just like he was.
“Is someone sitting here?” Mallory’s dad nodded toward the seat opposite Grant.
“No—you’re welcome to join me.” Grant moved the newspaper off the table and pushed his empty breakfast plate away.
William Fraser’s eyebrows rose. “You look tired. What time did you get here this morning?”
“I stayed overnight,” he mumbled.
William’s eyebrows rose even further. “Maybe we should reintroduce ourselves. He held out his hand. “I’m William Fraser, Mallory’s dad. And you are…?”
“Grant Byers, Mallory’s…” William waited for him to explain his relationship with Mallory, but it was a lot harder than Grant thought.
“Friend? Boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend. I hope.”
William nodded. “I thought as much. We’ve been trying to convince Mallory to come home with us.”
“She doesn’t want to go back to Orlando?”
“Did you think she would?”
“I don’t know what to think anymore.” Grant’s brain had given up working when she’d nearly died in the helicopter.
William glanced at the electronic sign behind the cafeteria’s checkout area. “We want her to be safe.”
Grant nodded. “I understand. But Mallory has to make up her own mind about where she goes.”
“Her mom and I are retired. We’ll be there for her if she needs help.”
“Is that what she wants?”
“It doesn’t matter what she wants. Mallory needs someone close by at all times. Her arm will heal a lot faster if she doesn’t use it.”
Grant wasn’t going to disagree. He was too tired, too upset, to string more than three coherent words together.
“Mallory told us you own your own cattle ranch. Do you enjoy working on the land?”
“I do.”
“She said you were in the military.”
Grant nodded. He wasn’t sure where Mallory’s dad was taking the conversation.
“You know about commitment. Mallory is the most committed person I know. She gave up everything for figure skating. Her entire life revolved around training and competing. Until now, she wouldn’t tell us why she stopped skating after the car accident. Simon’s death was bad enough, but giving up her Olympic dream nearly destroyed her. I don’t want that to happen again.”
“You know about the job offer in Los Angeles?”
“I know she would make an exceptional coach. Whether that’s in Los Angeles or somewhere close to Florida, it doesn’t matter. If you stand in the way of her dreams you could suffocate her.”
Grant looked William Fraser straight in the eyes. “I would never stand in the way of what Mallory wants.”
“That’s all I needed to hear.” He glanced at the piece of paper in his hands. “My order is ready. Cynthia and I will be leaving when Mallory is discharged. You need to know that we’ll be trying our hardest to get her to come back to Orlando. What she does after her arm is healed is up to her.”
Grant clamped his mouth shut in case he said something he’d regret. William might have thought he was protecting his daughter, but he was doing much worse. He was manipulating everyone around him, including Mallory.
***
John arrived at the hospital just as Grant was leaving.
“You look worse than you did yesterday,” his brother said. “Did you get any sleep last night?”
“A few hours.”
“Where are you going?”
“Back to your hotel room. Mallory’s parents are with her. I thought I’d give them some time together.”
“Without you?”
“They’re leaving as soon as she’s discharged.” Grant wiped his hands across his eyes. He was so tired that if he didn’t get some sleep soon he was going to fall over.
“I take it you haven’t bonded with her mom and dad?”
“I don’t need to bond with them.”
John crossed his arms. “You do if you want to be part of their daughter’s life.”
“It doesn’t matter what I want.”
“Since when?”
“Since her dad told me not to stand in the way of her dreams.”
John moved out of the way of a woman being wheeled into the hospital. “Come with me.”
He grabbed hold of Grant’s arm and pulled him across to the nearest seat.
“Are you telling me that her father told you to back off?”
“Something like that.”
“But he only met you this morning. Have you talked to Mallory?”
Grant shook his head. “She needs to make up her own mind.”
“It doesn’t sound as though her father agrees with you.”
“He’s her father.”
“Does Mallory know how you feel about her?”
“I told her I love her, but I’m not sure that’s enough.”
John’s eyes widened. “Why not?”
“Her dad was right. She’s an incredible figure skater. She doesn’t belong in Bozeman with me. She deserves a second chance—to skate or coach wherever she wants.”
“What if she wants to stay with you?”
Grant leaned against the wall behind him and closed his eyes. “I can’t see that happening.”
“Are you sure?”
“No—but I’m not thinking very clearly at the moment. How about you? Have you managed to sort out the businessman who’s giving you grief?”
“Almost. I had to speak to some of my associates. The pressure they’re putting on his companies should keep him away from Fletcher Security.”
“Good.”
John nudged his arm. “Before you go to sleep, I want you to read this.” He handed Grant a folder.
“When are you going to join the twenty-first century and use electronic files?”
“I like paper.”
Grant opened the folder and blinked to clear his vision. “What am I reading?”
“The death certificate for Juan Antonio Garcia and a CIA operative’s confirmation that the person autopsied was Juan Garcia.”
“Is this for real?”
“He’s definitely dead. The Mexican Government has full access to his business files and has arrested four of his senior executives. Other investigations are happening in the United States.”
“How did he die?”
“He was killed by a single bullet to the back of his head.”
Grant frowned. “An execution?”
“Probably. He would have made a lot of enemies.”
“So Mallory’s safe?”
John nodded. “Andrew and his parents will be testifying against two of the executives who were directly linked to the resort development and Simon’s death. The FBI and CIA cut a deal with the Mexican Government not to include Mallory in any court case. A witness statement is all they need.”
“She’ll be relieved that it’s all over.”
John smiled. “That’s probably the understatement of the year. I also heard from the local police department. Their news wasn’t so great, but it wasn’t unexpected. They didn’t find the person who shot Mallory. They’re still searching the area, but it’s unlikely they’ll find them. There are too many hiking and hunting trails they could have used.”
“Hopefully they’ll leave Mallory alone now that Juan Garcia is dead.”
“That’s usually what happens. Do you want to tell Mallory the good news?”
Grant sighed. “You tell her. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”
“Not after the conversation I had with her father. He wants her to stay with them in Orlando, regardless of whether Juan Garcia is dead or alive.”
“Mallory will make up her own mind.”
Grant wasn’t so sure. She loved her parents and that could easily be the deciding factor on where she recovered.
John beckoned Tanner forward. “Tanner drove me to the hospital. He’ll make sure you get to the hotel in one piece. Make sure you sleep.”
Grant gave his brother a quick hug. “I know you’ve got a lot of work waiting for you in Bozeman. Thanks for being here.”
“That’s what family is for.”
Grant thought so, too. But sometimes, they could make everything worse. He just hoped this wasn’t one of those times for Mallory.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Mallory read the death certificate. “It’s over?”
John nodded. “You can enjoy a normal life again.”
“Does Grant know?”
“I saw him on my way here. He’s glad Juan Garcia can’t hurt you anymore.”
Mallory tried to sit upright, but the pain in her arm made her wince.
Her dad moved toward her. “Let me help.”
“It’s okay. I can manage. It just takes a little more time than it usually would.” She took a deep breath and pushed herself upright. “Did Grant say anything else?”
“He’ll be back in a few hours. He’s exhausted.”
Mallory had a feeling that John wasn’t telling her everything. She tried to see beyond his neutral expression, but it wasn’t easy. “He stayed with me all night.”
John glanced at her parents. “He cares about you.”
Mallory sighed. “I know.”
Her dad sat forward. “We can plan your trip back to Orlando. It might be too soon to fly all the way to Florida tomorrow. Maybe we could have a week in Bozeman, then leave? It would be good to see Tess and meet the girls you’ve been teaching to figure skate.”
“William…” Cynthia gave her husband a pointed look. “Mallory needs to organize her own life.”
“I’m only trying to help.”
“I know you are, dad. But I’ve made a life for myself in Montana. I’ve got a great job and friends that mean the world to me. Moving to Orlando would change everything.”
“If it hadn’t been for the Mexican businessman, you’d still be in Orlando. What’s wrong with going back to how things used to be?”
“I can’t go back. Nothing will be the same. I’m not the same person. My life has changed and even though it’s not what I thought I’d be doing, I’m happy.”
Cynthia patted her daughter’s hand. “I think what your dad is trying to say is that we’ve missed you. But if living in Bozeman makes you happy, then that’s all we could ever want.”
William started to say something, but stopped when he saw the expression on his wife’s face.
John cleared his throat. “Are you happy for me to withdraw my security team?”
Mallory nodded. “I don’t know how I could ever repay you for what you’ve done. Your team is amazing.”
“Thank you. I’ll let them know what you said.” He stood beside her bed. “I’m catching a flight to Bozeman in a couple of hours so I’ll say goodbye. Hopefully I’ll see you in Bozeman soon.”
“I hope so, too,” Mallory said quietly. “Are you sure Grant is okay?”
“He’s as okay as you could expect. Be kind to each other. You’ve both been through a lot, especially in the last few days.”
Tears filled Mallory’s eyes. “I’ll do that. See you soon.” She hugged John and wished him a safe journey.
After he’d gone she closed her eyes and tried to empty her mind.
Her mom held her hand. “Are you all right?”
Tears fell down Mallory’s face. “I can’t stop crying. Every time I think I’m okay, something happens and I’m crying again.”
“Yo
u’re probably still in shock,” her dad said gruffly from beside her. “John was right. You’ve had a rough few days.”
Mallory let go of her mom’s hand and wiped her eyes. “I’m going to get dressed and go to the cafeteria.”
“Are you allowed to leave the room?” her dad asked.
“The nurse wants me to move around more, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
Cynthia opened the red suitcase beside her. “I’ll find some clothes for you. Do you want to wear jeans or a skirt?”
“A skirt will be easier to pull on.” She carefully removed the pillows from under her arm and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
If she was going to be an emotional mess she might as well be drinking a decent cup of coffee at the same time. It would do her good to be in a different room, to get out of the same head space.
And maybe, by the end of the day, her dad would understand why Bozeman was the best place for her.
***
Grant walked through the main doors of the hospital. He’d managed to get some rest, but it wasn’t enough. The nightmares he’d had when he came back from Afghanistan had returned with a vengeance. He’d woken in a cold sweat with his heart pounding out of control.
“Grant!”
He turned around. Cynthia Fraser was rushing toward him with half a dozen shopping bags in her hands.
“I’m glad I saw you. Did you get much sleep?”
“A couple of hours.” He pointed to the bags. “You’ve been busy.”
“The clothes aren’t for me—they’re for Mallory. I went to the mall and bought her a couple of tracksuits, some baggy sweaters and a few T-shirts. Her clothes are too difficult to get into with one hand.”
“How is she?”
“A little weepy. I think the last couple of weeks have caught up with her. We went to the cafeteria after John left. I think it did her good to get out of her room.”
“Is her dad with her?”
“He was when I left, but he was going for a walk. Mallory needed some time to rest.”
“Do you need a hand to carry the bags?”
“Thanks.” Cynthia gave him three of the bags. “Mallory thinks a great deal of you. She was telling us about your search and rescue work. It must be hard.”
Always (The Protectors Book 3) Page 20
