Stowaway (14 page)

“Who’s there?”

“Keri, it’s Russ. Open up!”

Her hand shook as she grabbed the door knob, and she willed herself to settle down. Opening it just a crack, she saw Russ and three other men in full combat gear. The dogs went wild at the sight of her. Teeth bared, they leapt in the air, straining against their leashes. She quickly slammed the door again.

“Get rid of them!”

He gave an order. When the sounds of their barking diminished, she cracked the door again.

“Russ, it’s late. What in the world are you doing here?” Then inspiration struck, and she allowed some of her panic to show.

“Dad? Has something happened to Dad?”

“No, no.” He shook his head and stepped closer.

“Jack?”

“No, nothing’s wrong with either one.”

“Then why in the world are you here with those vicious animals?” she asked, hoping she sounded more indignant than scared. “They sure aren’t coon hounds!”

“We had intruders at the compound. The dogs followed the scent back here.”

“Well, that’s no big surprise. My scent is probably the only human one in the woods.”

“You haven’t seen or heard anything tonight?”

“How could I hear anything with all that racket?”

She could still hear the dogs, but their handler had moved them out of sight. She nudged the door open a little farther, not wanting him or his hostile buddies to think she had anything to hide.

“Maybe the rotten thieves who stole my gas were trying to steal something from your camp.”

“Thieves?” he snapped, his expression going grimmer. “What thieves? You never mentioned ’em to me.”

“I filled my car at the station when I came up, but someone emptied my tank that same night.”

“Did you call your dad or report it to anyone?”

She nodded, almost dislodging her towel. Holding it steady, she replied. “Dwayne stopped the next morning and gave me enough to get back down the mountain. If the thief or thieves are hiding out in the woods, I hope you track ’em down and feed ’em to the dogs.”

“If they’re still out here, we’ll find ’em,” he promised in his tough-guy tone. “I’ll leave a sentry here tonight to keep watch over you.”

“Forget the sentry,” she snapped, glancing at the cold, expressionless faces of his pals. They weren’t even breathing hard. She gave them each a warning glare. “If I see any strange men lurking around the cabin, I’ll shoot them myself and ask questions later.”

“Okay, okay, don’t get all fired up. We probably scared off the intruders. Just lock your doors and be watchful.”

Keri managed a smile for him. “Thanks, Russ. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I’m not stupid or careless. I’ve had caution drilled into me since my toddler years.”

He bobbed his head. “I reckon you have.”

“Now I really want to finish getting ready for bed.”

“Sure, you have a good night,” he said, taking a step back from the door.

“Good night.”

She closed the door, threw the deadbolt into place and switched off the lights. Taking a step toward the bedroom, she nudged aside the curtain and watched out the window until they’d all moved from sight.

“Damn, you’re good.” The whispered praise reached her ears seconds before a strong arm nudged her back against the wall. Lamanto pressed his body close to hers. The heat radiating from their bodies fused them together. One of his hands slipped beneath the opening of the robe and clasped her waist. His hot touch sent fire coursing through her.

Keri lifted her hands to his chest and felt the mad pounding of his heart. Her heart beat a matching rhythm as she tipped her head back to look into his eyes. Relief made her giddy. Her response came out low and husky.

“You don’t know the half of it, Detective.”

He dipped his head low until his mouth just brushed hers. “Ever consider a career in undercover?”

“Undercover as in police work or undercover as in bed?”

Her sexual innuendo drew a pained sound from him. His guttural moan deepened her smile. He pressed himself closer and started to spread kisses over her face. The cleansing cream had him spitting and backing off.

“What the hell?”

Keri giggled. She’d never been the giddy type, but once she started giggling, she couldn’t stop. The sounds kept slipping past her throat, one after another after another. He made a low sound of warning, but it just tickled her more. She slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound, but the feel of the stinky cream on her face stirred another round of the giggles. Using the sleeves of the bathrobe, she swiped at her cheeks as tears ran down her face.

He locked his good arm around her waist and practically dragged her to the bed. Her body shook with laughter verging on hysteria. He shoved her down on the mattress and followed. She continued to laugh until he draped his body across hers and squished the breath out of her.

When she gazed into his eyes and saw the concern on his face, it made her giggle again.

When his frown deepened, she asked, “What’s wrong, Copper? Didn’t they teach you how to deal with hysterical women in cop school?”

In response, he dropped his mouth onto hers, kissing her hard and deep. His tongue invaded and swiftly conquered. Within seconds all her emotional tension found a new release in his kisses. Keri welcomed the hot, passionate invasion with fervor.

She put her arms around his waist and gripped him tightly, sliding her hands under his clothes to reach warm, damp flesh. The feel of him reassured, comforted and inflamed her. So many conflicting emotions whirled through her, with the joy of being safe in his arms superseding the others.

They finally broke off the kiss and stared at each other in the dim light. Lamanto supported most of his weight with his good arm, with his injured one resting on the bed. Keri knew the position had to be uncomfortable for him. She rolled sideways, easing him with her. When they lay face-to-face, they continued to search each other’s features.

“At the risk of another giggle fest, I have to tell you that you really stink, lady. What’s all that sour-smelling stuff on your face and the sickening-sweet stuff on the rest of you?”

She grinned. “Menthol cleanser on the face. Talcum powder on the rest of me. I had to do something to disguise the BO.”

“You succeeded. No wonder the dogs went berserk.”

She shuddered. “They did track my scent. I wonder how crazy they acted in the woods.”

“I heard ’em racing around the propane tank shortly after I locked myself in. I figured they’d start digging at the trap door, but they moved on.”

“No trouble in the tunnel?”

“Pitch-black, but it’s tight enough to find your way.”

“How badly is your arm aching?”

“Like a sonofabitch.”

Keri reached over and touched his shoulder. She couldn’t tell if the dampness stemmed from sweat or if he’d pulled his stitches. “I’ll have to check it as soon as we’ve cleaned up. By the way, you do not smell like roses yourself.”

“It was worth some sweat and pain to get a look at that compound. I would’ve liked to get inside the fence, but an outside look confirmed my suspicions.”

“Not your typical backwoods militia camp,” she said on a sad sigh.

“No.”

“What’s happening over there?”

“A terrorist camp with a dangerous agenda.”

“What’s your connection to all this? Your coming to Thornsbury can’t be a coincidence.”

She stiffened when he hesitated too long. After all they’d been through in the past few days, she deserved more respect and his trust. When she started to turn her back on him, he halted her with a touch and quiet explanation.

“A few months ago, we heard rumor of an illegal gun-running operation. It originated in Dade County, but we had no idea how the guns were being transported or their destination. My superiors contacted the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with what little information we had. They launched an investigation that went nowhere until someone in Thornsbury contacted them directly.”

“Don Monroe?”

“If it was, they didn’t share the information with me.”

“I thought you and Don were old buddies?

Lamanto shook his head. “He worked in Miami after graduating from the academy and we met before he took the position here.”

“So, he’s just part of your cover? Why send a Miami detective to investigate? Why not an ATF agent?”

She saw a glint of speculation in his eyes, and knew he didn’t want to tell her more. “My dad always says it’s safer to tell the truth than get tangled in your own lies.”

His voice went low and soft. “Your dad never worked undercover. It’s all about lies.”

“And you’re an expert at lying?” she asked just as softly.

After a long, thoughtful minute, he said, “Truth is, my last undercover op made me unpopular with some thugs in Miami. Not the first time, but the lieutenant thought I should leave town until the dust settled. ATF is short-staffed, like every other federal agency, and they signed off on the plan. Now I need to report back to them before these guys get any closer to their targeted date of execution.”

“When do you plan to head out?”

He quickly corrected her. “We’re heading out first thing tomorrow.”

Keri shook her head. “I’ll be fine here.”

“Too risky. Men with militia mentality are notoriously unstable. Your friend Russ might have a change of heart and decide you’re a threat. He could take you hostage or worse.”

She gave that some thought. “I can’t just disappear or the cavalry will be searching country-wide for me.”

“You can stick a note on the door or radio the rangers. If you get word to your dad, it should buy some time.”

“I did tell Dad I might do some shopping in Knoxville.”

“He’ll figure you’re restless after a week of alone time.”

“If he only knew,” she mumbled, her gaze locking with his. They’d had time to cool off and relax, but the haze of desire lingered. His expression gradually changed and her heart began to pound.

“One of these days, when we’re in bed together, I’m going to make love to you and totally rock your world.”

Keri caught her breath at the conviction in his tone. She felt hot color returning to her face and her pulse accelerated.

“You’re sure, huh?”

“Sure I want to destroy your inhibitions and satisfy every fantasy you’ve ever imagined. Yeah.”

Throat tight, she whispered, “Pretty big order.”

“I’m a quick study.”

She didn’t doubt it. He probably had oodles of experience in pleasing women. Her body craved his touch with increasing urgency. Desire pulsed between them and they weren’t even touching. What would it be like to lie with him, naked and as close as they could get?

The question brought another to mind. What about the scars? Her abdomen featured a road map of ugly scarring after being crushed in the wreck. Her thighs bore scars from skin grafts. Would it repulse him? Was he the type of man who could ignore the scars, or had he gained all his experience with physically faultless, beautiful women?

She thought of Miami and beaches and an abundance of perfect bodies in miniscule bikinis. No doubt his life had been filled with them. The sting of jealousy she felt at the thought caught her by surprise.

“What’s going through that active little mind of yours?” he wanted to know. “I don’t like the furrow between your eyes.”

She wished she had the courage to tell him, but why bother when the need might never arise. Time to change the subject and lighten the mood.

“Little mind? I resent that. Didn’t I lead you to the camp and back safely tonight? Am I not an undercover genius?”

He didn’t respond for a long minute, and she held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t press her for more personal answers.

“Okay,
la mia infermiera d’angelo.
We’ll play it your way. You’re a genius.”

Keri gave him a grin and rolled off the side of the bed. “I’m also sweaty, stinky and exhausted. I’m headed to the shower.”

Lamanto rolled onto his back. She felt his gaze on her as she moved around the room collecting clean clothes.

“By the way, that robe is very becoming.”

“Thank you. My mom called it her vacation robe. I think it’s at least as old as I am. It’s stiff with dirt.”

His chuckle followed her to the bathroom. She closed the door, smiling. Lamanto had a healing effect on her, she realized. A week ago she couldn’t have joked about her mom or even thought of her without hurting. Sharing memories with him had helped her to heal.

He made her happy, she realized with a jolt. Happier than any man had ever done. Happiness didn’t come easy for her, but she enjoyed his company and matching wits with him. She liked the way he challenged her, yet wasn’t too arrogant to concede when she bested him. It would be way too easy to get addicted to his charm.

As water poured over her body, she remembered his promise they’d be lovers. Her body quivered at the thought, nipples pouting. Heaven only knew how she’d be able to make love with him and then say goodbye.

Their parting was as inevitable as day following night. They belonged in two different worlds. Her community and lifelong friends depended on her as well as her family. She couldn’t imagine leaving Tennessee, and she couldn’t imagine Lamanto leaving his career and life in the city.

Nick. She grinned, remembering his teasing request to be called by his first name. Lamanto she could keep at arm’s length, but Nick might bury himself in her heart too deeply to ever remove.

Chapter Ten

“I’m guessing you have a GPS tracking system on your SUV,” said Lamanto as they exited the cabin just after dawn the next morning.

Keri hadn’t slept well and she doubted he had, either. She blamed it on pent-up sexual tension. They’d carefully avoided touching or kissing again last night. Neither wanted to cross the invisible line they’d drawn between them.

“Of course it has a GPS, my dad helped me buy it,” she said while tacking a note on the door. Turning, she gave him a grin. “But I also know how to disable it.”

“A woman of many talents,” he teased.

They shared a smile and headed toward her vehicle. Though chilly, the cloudless sky indicated another sunny day. The temps could climb into the seventies before noon. She’d dressed in layers but left most of her things in the cabin. They planned to drive straight through to his home in Miami and purchase whatever she needed there. Anybody checking on her would find all her belongings at the cabin.