Mountain Pursuit: Smoky Mountain Investigation ; Mountain Rescue

by Annslee Urban

  The worst part was, Kylie probably wouldn’t buy in to his suspicions. She was too hyped up about getting back to her life.

  And the past few days had been awkward between them. Kylie acted a little more distant and he reciprocated, giving her space. He understood where she was coming from.

  The truth of matter—he’d be leaving soon. A goodbye was inevitable.

  Hard on both of them, but soon they’d be consumed with their own lives again.

  Logical. Too bad the heart didn’t really know logic.

  Kylie wrestled with the bulging suitcase on the bed and tried to zip it shut. Packed to the gills. It hadn’t seemed so difficult to close when she’d packed the first time. But wasn’t that how things went? What once fit together perfectly no longer fit the same once it was disrupted.

  And that truth ran the gamut.

  Articles in a suitcase. Packaging in a box. A relationship. Her and Nick.

  Suppressing a sigh, Kylie pressed down, adding more weight, and managed to tug the zipper around the black bag.

  Okay. She got to her feet and brushed off her hands. Time to get going.

  She yanked up the roller handle and walked out of the room.

  Nick was sitting on the sofa in the living room, a vacant look on his face, his eyes heavy lidded. He looked so peaceful. So handsome. How could she have considered for a moment that he might be her stalker?

  Shaking her head, Kylie took a step into the family room and then stopped. She looked closely, but couldn’t decide if Nick was half-asleep or deep in thought.

  Maybe he was reordering his thoughts, convincing himself that the past was the past. And that the feelings he’d once felt for her needed to be explored again.

  Stop it. Kylie pushed off the dream. The near kiss in the kitchen had only been a fleeting moment of emotion for him. He was well past it now. Nick had big plans for his future that didn’t involve her.

  With a slow exhale, she changed her way of thinking. She would not succumb to fantasy any longer.

  Crazy that she’d even allowed her thoughts to drift, considering the ache it caused. What had started out as a small twinge in her chest the moment she laid eyes on Nick at the airport had progressed into a painful spasm when she thought about him leaving again.

  Instinctively she pressed two fingers to her chest. A bruised heart, she knew from experience, took a long time to heal.

  She cleared her throat.

  Nick looked up from the sofa. A smile chased away his impassive expression. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning.” She matched his smile. “I hope I didn’t disrupt your nap.”

  “No. I wasn’t sleeping.” He got to his feet and stretched his back. “I’ve been up for hours, sitting around mulling over the facts of the case. I got here a little while ago. What about you? You’re up pretty early.”

  “I have to get to my house to drop off my things before I go into work.”

  Nick glanced past her to the bags in the hallway behind her. Then he flashed Kylie a puzzled look. “You’re leaving already?”

  The question surprised her. The case was closed. Why wouldn’t she leave?

  She nodded her reply.

  “I’m not sure you should leave yet.”

  An awful coldness seeped through her as she searched his gaze. Was he trying to play with her emotions? “Why shouldn’t I leave?”

  “There are a few things about the case and the investigation that concern me.”

  “The case is closed.”

  “I understand that. However, I have my concerns that Dave and his men made a premature decision.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Why don’t you sit down?” He gestured toward the sofa.

  Kylie shook her head. “I’ll stand.” She didn’t like the way the conversation was heading. She didn’t want doubts in Nick’s head. She wanted his investigative mind to concur with the police.

  “I’m not a hundred percent sure that Todd Pruitt is the killer. I’ve been digging around in his past and I don’t have a good feeling about him being the one.”

  Kylie’s pulse started to race. “Is anyone ever a hundred percent sure of anything?”

  “Everyone should be when it comes to murder.”

  Kylie bristled at that. “I feel okay about this. I think the investigation was conclusive, and I believe Todd is the killer.”

  “The guy was a drug addict. Do you really think he would be capable enough to commit such calculated crimes?”

  “I didn’t know Todd well enough to have an opinion of what he would be capable of. But I do know what he had in his possession at the time of his death.”

  “Okay, consider this. Why would he be carrying around the evidence?”

  “Nick, you said it yourself, guys like this are obsessed. And their motives don’t have to make sense.”

  “Although serial killers have skewed thoughts, their minds are sharp.” Before she could comment, Nick held up his hand. “Did Todd ever ask you out? In high school or after?”

  Without hesitation Kylie shook her head.

  “At any time did he ever flirt or hint around that he might be interested in you?”

  “No. I never spoke more than two words to the guy. Including in high school.”

  “Okay. I’m not saying he doesn’t have some part in this, but I don’t see him as your stalker.”

  “Nick. Please.”

  Nick plowed a hand through his hair. “Kylie, I have a gut feeling that this guy isn’t the one. You need to trust me on this.”

  Trust? As if that was easy. She couldn’t even trust her own heart these days.

  And spending more time with this man wouldn’t be good for her. Sending him a sidelong glance, she found his russet-brown eyes fastened on her.

  She breathed deep. Things could only get worse.

  “Nick, I can’t keep living in the shadows. I need to get my life back on track.”

  “I understand. I just wish you’d lie low for another few days.”

  “I have a friend who is willing to stay with me for a few days. Two sets of instincts are better than one.” She tried for a smile but it was a bust.

  A dark brow lifted. “And who is this friend?”

  She squared her shoulders. This was worse than trying to convince her father that backpacking through Mexico with some of her college friends was perfectly safe. He’d never bought it. She never went.

  But she was older now and Nick was not her father. “Julie Masters. She’s in my Sunday school class.”

  “If you’re going to have someone stay with you, you might as well stay here.”

  Still a little unnerved about everything that had happened over the past few weeks, she almost considered it. But one look into Nick’s pleading eyes and her heart was a goner.

  Staying would only prolong the agony already building in her chest.

  “I’ve been enough of a burden. I’m ready to leave.” Before she could betray any other emotion, she picked up her smallest bag.

  He stood there a moment, hands stuffed awkwardly in his pockets. She knew that look. Insistent. Persuasive. She didn’t blink. She wasn’t going to budge.

  “Okay.” He finally nodded. “But know you’re always welcome here. Don’t hesitate to call me if something comes up.” He didn’t look completely happy, but neither was she.

  * * *

  Nick paused a moment and then walked toward her, holding out his hand. “Let me help you with your bags.”

  He wasn’t about to beg her to stay. Not easily persuaded, she’d need proof. And he’d get her that proof.

  Ten minutes later, he slammed the trunk of her car. “Is there anything else you need me to get from the house?”

  She shook her head. “I have everything. And I want to thank you for all you’ve done.
Words can’t express my gratitude.”

  He held up a hand. “Don’t be too thankful yet. Let’s make sure this thing is really over.”

  “Nick.” She averted her gaze.

  “I’m not trying to be a spoiler. I’m just not convinced.”

  Instead of expressing annoyance, she smiled. “With Steven coming home soon, where will you go from here?”

  Subject changed. He let it go. Maybe they did need to shift gears.

  He gave it a few seconds, then answered, “I still have some things to finish around here.” Nick leaned against her car and crossed his arms, frustrated that she couldn’t seem to understand.

  “Again, Nick, thanks for everything. I better get going.” She gestured to the driver’s-side door that he rested against.

  Nick straightened and opened the door for her.

  He was tempted to hug her, but stopped himself. Apparently Kylie felt the same way, because she breezed by him and climbed into the car.

  Another awkward moment with Kylie Harper and he took full blame.

  Kylie blinked up at him through the open door. “If I don’t happen to see you again before you leave, I hope your plans turn out well.”

  This was a small town. He was still investigating the murders. She’d see him again.

  And he was okay with that.

  Before Kylie could pull the door shut, he leaned in. “It’s been a tough few weeks, but aside from that, I enjoyed seeing you again.”

  Kylie blinked, then a hint of a smile touched her lips. She didn’t respond, but the sudden glint in her eyes gave him pause.

  “I mean every word,” he said as he captured her fingers. Bringing her hand to his lips, he brushed a kiss across her knuckles.

  * * *

  Kylie cried nearly all the way home.

  How dare Nick mess with her emotions like that? He had no intention of pursuing anything with her, yet the mixed signals she was getting from him had her heart ready to burst.

  She didn’t blame Nick. The culprit was her delusional thoughts.

  A mind was a funny thing. From the get-go Nick had let her know his plans, none of which included her. Yet her heart continued to override logic. He loves me, he loves me not swung in her head like a possessed pendulum. Delusional.

  Gritting her teeth, Kylie gripped the steering wheel and maneuvered down the dirt road that led to her house.

  She’d had enough. Her heart was bruised and battered. With a sniffle, she vowed to push past this season in her life. Once and for all she’d forget about Nick.

  Not because she didn’t love him, but because she could never have him.

  Rejection was a terrible thing. Even after ten years it didn’t get better. In fact, it was worse.

  Sighing, she parked in the driveway, not bothering to pull into the garage. She only needed to drop off her bags.

  On her way out the door, she paused in the foyer. She inhaled and pulled in the lingering scent of aged wood, fresh paint and vanilla potpourri. Home.

  She felt better.

  When she arrived at the newspaper office, the buzz of excitement about the capture and subsequent death of the serial killer flitted around her. Max, on the other hand, she was told by one of her colleagues, was a little down in the mouth.

  Poor thing. His fast track to stardom was now a bust.

  Three hours into her day and she still hadn’t seen her boss. Busy in his office or sulking? It didn’t matter. Her life was getting back to normal.

  “Kylie, there’s a call for you on line four,” the sports editor hollered from across the room.

  Kylie punched four and picked up the phone.

  It was Max. She fought not to cringe.

  “I’d like to meet with you in my office in thirty minutes.”

  Kylie peered at her watch. She should have taken her break earlier. So much for lunch. “All right. See you in thirty.”

  When Kylie arrived at Max’s office, he was waiting.

  “Take a seat, Kylie.” He gestured to one of the chairs on the opposite side of his desk.

  Kylie settled into the blue armchair and crossed her legs. She had no idea why Max had asked her there and he didn’t seem to be in a hurry to tell her.

  She lifted her gaze to him. He had his palms pressed together, his index fingers resting against his lips. Deep in thought. This didn’t look good.

  A moment later Dave walked in. He took the seat next to her.

  She glanced between the two men. If bad news was brewing, she hoped it didn’t involve her. But with the vibes she was getting, fat chance.

  Dave spoke up first. “Kylie, I have a few concerns about the investigation. I asked Max to be here because of the incident that took place in the building. I’d like to keep him in the loop so he can keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”

  “Wait a minute.” Kylie scooted forward in her seat, now perched on the edge. “You told me yesterday that the case had been closed. That evidence concluded Todd Pruitt was the stalker and responsible for the two recent homicides. Maybe even Conrad’s murder.”

  Dave gave a slow nod. “Both of those facts are correct. But now we’re looking into a possible accomplice.”

  “Well, how about that,” Max said, a slow grin cracking his lips.

  Kylie plopped back in the chair. She had a sinking feeling. Maybe they had closed the case too soon. Nick was right. “What changed, Dave?”

  “Pruitt got out of prison earlier this year after serving four years for breaking and entering and assault with a deadly weapon.”

  “Sounds like the perfect candidate for the crime.”

  “Except some of the pictures and articles in his possession were from the time he was in prison.”

  “Oh.” She sank back in the chair.

  “We’ve just started our investigation,” Dave continued. “Are you aware that Nick is digging around for information on his own?”

  A shrug from Kylie. “I know he has some of the same concerns as you. He didn’t mention an accomplice, but he has reservations about Todd. He doesn’t think he fits the serial-killer profile.”

  “What is this guy, a criminal psychiatrist, too?” Max butted in.

  Kylie raised a hand. “Nick’s had significant training as a Delta Force officer, including criminal psychology.”

  “He’s a trained killer with a razor-sharp mind, that’s what he is.”

  That comment brought Kylie’s eyes back to Dave. “What are you getting at?”

  He gave her a chilly look and inclined his head. “Nick is correct about one thing—Todd doesn’t fit the profile. He wasn’t that smart, but Nick Bentley is.”

  That brought Kylie to her feet. “That’s absurd. Why would he be digging around for evidence on himself?”

  Dave didn’t hesitate. “To cover his tracks. Maybe Pruitt died sooner than he planned.”

  Kylie planted her hands on her hips. “Or maybe Pruitt wasn’t the killer at all. Maybe he was another victim and the evidence was planted.”

  Dave stared after her for a long moment and then stood. “Nick’s theory, I’m sure. You can believe whatever you like, Kylie. But either way, be careful. Your life is still in danger.”

  Your life is still in danger. The words reached inside her like a fist clenching her heart and sent cold chills twining through her.

  Kylie pressed a hand to her chest, working to stay calm. She’d had enough looking over her shoulder. Enough living in the past.

  With a heavy sigh, she lifted a prayer. Father, God, please protect me. And give me the wisdom I need to get through this.

  Her next breath brought a morsel of calm.

  “I’ll be careful,” she said, her gaze trailing back to Dave. “But I’d like you to rethink your theory on Nick. The four years Pruitt was in prison, Nick was fighting in the Middle Ea
st.”

  Dave shrugged, his stare unflinching. “Nick lives in an undercover world. He can get his hands on whatever information he wants.”

  For a fleeting moment, scenarios whipped through Kylie’s mind like a tornado. As quickly, she pushed through the confusion clouding her heart. It couldn’t be Nick.

  “Wait a minute.” Max held up a hand. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t someone shooting at Bentley in this very building? Dave, do you think it was Pruitt?”

  “We haven’t gotten that far. No one saw a shooter. For all we know it could have been Nick in there alone.” A little sharpness crept into Dave’s voice.

  “Wow. This is some newsworthy stuff.” Max’s face brightened.

  “No,” Dave snapped. “As far as the public is concerned, this case is closed until we have some solid evidence.”

  Max jumped to his feet. “Detective, come on. If you have information suggesting that there’s still a killer out there, it’s our duty to let the public know. Not just because it’s newsworthy information, but because the citizens of Asheville have a right to protect themselves.”

  Kylie ran her fingers through her hair, letting Max plead and lecture another moment before she interrupted. “Max, just an FYI. The only evidence Detective Michelson has on Nick at the moment is a gut feeling. Isn’t that right, Dave?”

  Dave’s face lost all color. He cleared his voice. “Like I said, we’re still investigating.”

  Until they had something conclusive, she didn’t want to hear about his speculations. If she had to trust anybody’s gut feeling, it would be Nick’s.

  “Kylie, understand something.” Dave’s voice fell into a less professional beat. “I’m not trying to pin anything on Nick. I’m just being proactive.”

  She nodded. Dave had a job to do, she understood that. “I understand, Dave. I don’t want anyone falsely accused. But if the killer is still out there, I’d like you to find him.”

  “And don’t forget we have first dibs on the story,” Max interjected.

  Dave pulled a disgusted face. He crossed the room in three long strides and walked out the door.