Love Inspired Suspense June 2015 - Box Set 2 of 2: Exit Strategy\Payback\Covert Justice (24 page)

Aiden started to leave, but Nia blocked him. “Hang on. You can't start your day on an empty stomach.”

Nia took a paper plate from Bree, slid Aiden's pancakes onto it, along with a spoonful of berries. Anticipating Nia's plan, Bree rifled through her drawers for a plastic fork.

“You can eat on the way.” Nia walked him to the front door.

“I haven't even showered yet,” he said, frustrated.

“What was the call about?”

“Electrician wants to shut down power to the south end of the resort, and someone from the chamber expects a room for thirty people to be set up by ten.”

“I thought they'd canceled this month's meeting.”

“Apparently so did Tripp.”

“I'll take care of the chamber thing. You meet with the electrician, give him instructions and sneak out for a quick shower.”

“Sounds like I'm going to have to move guests out of the south wing.”

“Maybe not. Let me work on that.”

He hesitated at the door. “Hang on. You were supposed to relax.”

“It's fine. This will keep me from going stir-crazy.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“At least ice the ankle.”

“Will do.”

“Okay, I'll touch base later.” Aiden hesitated, and for a second he had the urge to go in for a hug but wasn't sure why. She must have read it in his eyes because she awkwardly leaned into him, then stepped back.

“Have a good day,” she said.

“Thanks.”

Aiden crossed the threshold onto the front porch and felt an odd sense of something, a connection he wasn't used to, and one he never thought he'd feel.

“Focus,” he said to himself as he crossed the property to the main lodge, eating pancakes along the way. He needed to get the work-related issues taken care of, then contact police to see if they'd made progress with the man who'd threatened Nia last night, or if they'd located the Peeping Tom.

Nia might have sent him away with a plate of pancakes so he wouldn't go hungry, but he felt their roles were shifting. Instead of Nia always taking care of Aiden, Aiden was in a position to be strong and protect Nia.

He wished he had more confidence in his ability to keep her safe.

* * *

By early afternoon Aiden sensed it was going to be one of those up-for-grabs days, the kind when if something could go wrong it most certainly would. This type of day would have gone much smoother if Nia were on duty, working from her office. Aiden called her twice with questions but resisted asking her to come to the office. It was important that she take it easy and ice her ankle.

Aiden had wanted to check in on her at the cottage—because only face-to-face contact would truly ease his concern—but there'd been no time.

She'd texted him that she was able to find space for the chamber meeting. A few hours later, as Aiden passed by the room, he noticed she'd ordered a nice spread of fruit and scones through the food service department. She'd also checked in with the guests who would be without power that morning and offered them another room in a different part of the complex plus a complimentary meal and 30 percent off a tour of their choice. Rather than move, the guests said they'd prefer to stay in their rooms and didn't mind the minor inconvenience. Most had plans to be off resort grounds anyway.

The electrician's project took longer than anticipated, yet afternoon tea went off without a hitch, which surprised Aiden since everything else seemed to be destined for disaster.

It was fast closing in on suppertime, and he was finally about to head over to the cottage, when his phone rang.

“McBride,” he answered.

“Aiden, it's Nate.”

“You've got something?”

“A few things, yes.”

Aiden instinctively sat down behind his desk. “Go on.”

“The two men who were looking for you were, in fact, undercover federal agents.”

“Why undercover? And what did they want with me?”

“Not sure yet. The Bureau is sending another team to explain things in person. They're worried the original agents' covers were blown, and something happened to them in the mountains. It's been forty-eight hours since they checked in.”

“Are you going to—”

“It's done. A search-and-rescue text is going out shortly. And Aiden, there's something else.”

Aiden rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. “What?”

“The man who broke into Nia's apartment last night made bail.”

Aiden stood abruptly. “How's that possible?”

“The man's name is Gus Chambers, works for an import/export business back in Detroit. He said her door was unlocked and he didn't physically harm her, so his lawyer was able to secure bail.”

“He threatened her life,” Aiden protested.

“He claims he was threatening the brother because of the money he stole from Gus's boss, not two grand, but two hundred thousand dollars.”

“Oh man.”

“And their only connection to Danny is Nia. His lawyer guaranteed us Gus wouldn't go anywhere near her again,” Nate said.

“And you believed him?”

“He'd be stupid to approach her.”

“Criminals aren't rocket scientists,” Aiden said.

“Here's the good news. I circulated a video shot we got from security cameras. The Peeping Tom was ID'd as a criminal suspected of a string of burglaries in King County. Authorities were closing in on him, so they suspect he moved his operation up to Echo County.”

“So that had nothing to do with the brother's situation?”

“Doesn't look like it. We've got a BOLO out on him. We'll be on the lookout.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Oh, and Aiden, the two agents coming to town want to meet with you.”

“About what?”

“They wouldn't say over the phone. We'll have to wait until tomorrow.”

The pounding of footsteps echoed down the hall. Scott popped his head into Aiden's office, out of breath. “The cottage. The alarm went off.”

SEVEN

A
iden would have sprinted across the property, but Scott grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the security truck.

“Is Bree home?” Aiden said.

“Not yet.”

They hopped into the truck and sped across the parking lot to the two-bedroom cottage.

Maybe Nia forgot to set it and went outside for fresh air, or maybe Fiona caught a whiff of a rabbit and took off with Nia in hot pursuit.

It had to be one of these things, because the alternative...

As they closed in on the house, Aiden fought back the possibilities that were terrorizing his mind.

“The guy who threatened her last night was released on bail,” he said.

“What? After threatening her life?” Scott said.

Aiden shook his head. Gripped the dashboard.

Scott pulled up to the cottage. Aiden flung open his door and raced up the stairs.

“I'll check around back!” Scott said.

Aiden pounded on the door. “Nia!”

Fiona barked in response.He tried the door, but it was locked. He pulled out the master key and let himself inside.

“Nia!” he called out.

Silence.

Aiden rushed into the kitchen holding his breath for fear he'd find her unconscious on the floor.

The kitchen was empty.

Frantic, he rushed upstairs, Fiona hot on his heels, and checked both bedrooms, also empty. He went through closets; checked the two bathrooms. It was as if she'd disappeared.

As he rushed back into the guest room, he noticed her suitcase on the luggage rack, and on the nightstand beside the bed sat Nia's Bible.

She trusted in the Lord for love and compassion, and she trusted Aiden to protect her.

His heart pounded against his chest. What had happened to her?

“Aiden!” Scott called from the bottom of the stairs. “Her car's gone!”

Which meant what? That she and an intruder had fled in her car? That would be easy to find.

Aiden rushed down the stairs. “I'll call Nate.”

“Maybe she went to the store.”

“No, she wouldn't do that.” Aiden called his friend and gave Nate the make, model and plate number of Nia's car.

“You sure she's not running errands?” Nate asked.

“No, she promised to stay at the cottage.”

“Have you called her?”

“Not yet.”

“Call her. See if you can track her down. I can't do anything official, but I can certainly spread the word.”

“Okay, thanks.” Aiden ended the call and hit the speed dial for Nia.

Bree rushed into the cottage. “What's going on?”

Scott put his arm around her. “Not sure yet.”

Fiona rushed Bree, panting. “It's okay, girl.” Bree glanced back and forth from Scott to Aiden. “It is okay, right?”

Aiden didn't answer. He focused on the phone call, waiting for Nia to pick up. Instead, it went to voice mail.

“No, no, no,” Aiden said under his breath, marching to the front door and whipping it open. “Where are you, Nia?”

* * *

As Nia entered Healthy Eats restaurant on the outskirts of town, a woman in her late thirties greeted her from behind the counter. “Would you like a booth or table today?”

“A booth would be great, thanks,” Nia said, thinking her brother would appreciate the privacy.

Nia had been relieved when she got the text from Danny asking her to join him for coffee. She'd worried all night, thinking maybe his boss's men had tracked him down and had hurt her brother.

Maybe Danny would finally tell her the whole story, because she sensed he'd left something out.

The hostess motioned Nia to a booth and placed a menu on the table. “Have you dined with us before?”

“No, I haven't.” Nia slid the crutches into the booth. She'd decided to use them since she was going off resort property. “I've heard wonderful things about your place from some of our guests at Echo Mountain Resort.”

“You work at the lodge?”

“Yes, I'm the concierge.”

The woman extended her hand. “Nice to meet you. I'm Catherine, owner of Healthy Eats.”

“Nia Sharpe.”

“I think I've heard of you, the efficient woman who keeps things running at the resort.” Catherine smiled.

“I didn't know my reputation was so grand.”

“My brother, Nate, and your boss are friends. They meet here every week. I think it's the free coffee.” She winked.

“I don't know about that. I've heard the food is amazing.”

“What do you have a taste for today?” Catherine asked.

“I'll start with green tea, and maybe a muffin, something light?”

“How about I bring out some samples? Then you could recommend my place from firsthand experience.”

“Sounds great.”

With a smile, Catherine left Nia's table. Glancing out the window, Nia wondered if taking off without telling anyone was such a good idea. It could cause grief and worry for her friends, especially Aiden. But Danny had asked her to come alone and she felt safe meeting him in a public place.

Besides, if she'd told Aiden, he would've demanded to come along. His opinion of her brother was already low, and Danny would never open up to her if Aiden were sitting across the table glaring at him.

Her phone rang and she dug it out of the side pocket of her purse. A blocked number popped up on the screen. It could be Danny.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?” Aiden demanded.

“Oh, hi, Aiden. I'm taking care of some things in town.”

“Where in town?”

“What's wrong?”

“The alarm went off at the cottage. You must have triggered it when you left.”

“No, I'm sure I set it.”

“Where are you?
Exactly?
”

A prickly sensation crept up her neck. Not fear but anger.

“It's personal and I will be back later.”

“After everything that's happened in the last—”

She hit the end button and stared at the phone. She'd just hung up on her boss, but what else could she do? She wasn't in the mood to be lectured to like a child, and she wouldn't tell him where she was because he'd race over and ruin her chance of seeing Danny one last time.

Sadness washed over her. Although her brother often frustrated her, she still loved him. Nothing changed the fact they were related by blood, and bound by history, and trauma.

“Green tea,” Catherine said, sliding a flowered tea service onto the table. “Everything okay?”

Nia glanced at her. “Sure. Why do you ask?”

“You look...frustrated? Sorry, none of my business.”

“It's okay. It's been a rough couple of days.”

“The sweets should help. It'll be a few minutes.”

The bell on the front door jingled and Nia glanced up, hopeful. It wasn't her brother. Will Rankin and his two little girls, both redheads, entered the restaurant. He spotted Nia and wandered over.

He introduced his daughters to her. “Claire, Marissa, you remember Nia.”

“Hi there,” Nia said with a bright smile.

“She's pretty. Why don't you marry her, Daddy?” the younger one said.

“You can't just marry anyone, Marissa. You have to be in love with them,” Claire corrected her.

“No one's marrying anyone,” Will said and smiled at Nia. “Sorry.”

“Don't be. They're adorable.”

“You want company?”

“Actually, I'm meeting someone.”

“Okay, well, we'd better find a table. They're known for an early dinner rush here. Come on, girls.” He shepherded them a few tables away. The younger girl, Marissa, glanced back at Nia and smiled. Nia waved back.

She checked her phone, wondering if she'd missed a text from Danny, but the only messages were from Aiden, ordering her to return to the resort ASAP.

Nia had learned to cope with Aiden's gruff and bossy exterior, but it had always been about work in the past, not about her personal life. She'd spent plenty of time with controlling men but didn't think Aiden was like the rest. He seemed to respect her, and would consider her thoughts and opinions.

Her knee-jerk reaction to his tone today proved that deep down she'd lumped him in with all the rest. And that wasn't fair. Aiden was better than that.

Catherine brought over a small plate of treats, and two more groups entered the restaurant. It was getting busy.

Nia glanced out the window in search of her brother, but there was no sign of him.

She sent another text, asking where he was.

He didn't respond. She decided to at least enjoy the sweets.

Half an hour later, when he still hadn't arrived, Nia grew worried.

Catherine waltzed over and motioned to the plate in front of Nia. “So, what did you think?”

“Oh, the sweets are delicious, thank you.”

“Good. And don't be in a hurry to leave. It looks good when customers are waiting out front for a table. It builds buzz—at least, that's what my teenager tells me.”

“Thanks.”

The door jingled again. Nia looked up.

And recognized the tall, fortyish man who'd broken into her apartment last night. Wait a second. How was he free to walk around? Had he escaped the local lockup?

They made eye contact and she quickly looked away. Of all the places to eat in town, why was he here? He wouldn't do anything to her in public, would he?

Her gaze darted to Will's little girls, sitting only a few booths away, and then to a booth across the restaurant where a teenage couple held hands. Nia was putting all these people in danger by coming here.

She focused her attention out the window, shame warming her cheeks. Maybe Aiden was right. She shouldn't have left the cottage on resort grounds.

But she had, and now what should she do? She calmed her breathing and motioned to Catherine. Out of the corner of her eye, Nia caught sight of the tall man taking a seat at the counter.

Catherine approached Nia's table.

“I'll take the check, please,” Nia said.

Catherine slid the check onto the table.

“Hang on.” Nia dug in her purse for cash. She pulled out a twenty.

“Be right back,” Catherine said.

Nia didn't dare make eye contact with the man at the counter. Her plan was to pay the bill and dash out of here. Right, she was going to dash on crutches?

Catherine returned with Nia's change. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You, too.” Nia got out of the booth and adjusted the crutches under her arms. “Where's your restroom?”

“In the back.” She pointed.

“Thanks.”

She wouldn't leave quite yet, but she'd remove herself from the room full of customers, lock herself in the bathroom and call for help. As she hobbled down the hall to the bathroom, she noticed a back door leading into the parking lot. Even better.

Heart pounding, she glanced over her shoulder. The man hadn't followed her. She pushed the door open and stepped outside, focused on getting to her car. A cool breeze drifted across her cheeks, making her shiver. Her crutches wobbled awkwardly on the gravel parking lot, so she decided to carry them and limp to her car.

She wondered if Danny had seen the man and taken off. Closing in on the car, she heard the creak of a door.

She glanced across the parking lot.

The man was jogging toward her. “Miss Sharpe?”

She fumbled in her purse for her keys. Why hadn't she taken them out before she'd left the restaurant?

“My name's Gus and I need to talk to you.”

“Leave me alone!” she cried. Her eyes watered with fear, making it even harder to find her keys. Sensing that he was closing in, she flung out her crutch as a weapon.

“Stay away.”

“I wanted to explain—”

“What, how you got out of jail after threatening my life?”

He put up his hands. “I wouldn't have hurt you. It's your brother I'm after.”

“Well, he's not here, so why are you following me?”

“I wanted to apologize for scaring you last night. But Danny drives me crazy with all his lies.”

“So that gives you the right to threaten me?”

“I was threatening to end him, not you.”

“Nia?” Will called as he crossed the parking lot. “Everything okay?”

Nia glanced at Will, then at the restaurant. Will's daughters had plastered their faces against the window. The last thing she wanted was for them to see their father being brutalized.

“Stay back, Will,” she said. “I'm fine.”

“You don't look fine,” he said.

“This is none of your business,” Gus said.

“It is if you're upsetting my friend.” Will approached the man from behind. “It seems like she wants you to leave her alone.” Will grabbed Gus's arm and yanked him away.

Gus shoved Will, and Will shoved back. “Leave her alone,” Will threatened, taking a step toward Gus.

With a nod, Gus looked as if he was going to leave peacefully. As he passed Will, Gus slugged him, and he fell to his knees. The sound of shrieking girls echoed from the restaurant.

Will started to get up.

“Stay down,” Gus warned.

In that moment, Nia felt their fear, the same fear she'd felt as a child: the fear of brutality.

Nia gripped her right crutch with both hands and wound up. “Leave him alone!”

Ears ringing with adrenaline rushing through her body, Nia swung her crutch and nailed Gus in the back.

“Stop,” he said. “I'm not going to hurt anybody.”

She kept swinging, needing to get him away from Will.

The howl of a siren mirrored the ringing in her ears as defensive instincts consumed her. The next few minutes were a blur.

Suddenly someone was there, dragging Gus away from Nia and Will. Yet she couldn't stop swinging the crutch.

A pair of strong yet gentle hands gripped her waist and pulled her against a firm body.