Tailspin (9 page)

She was relieved he didn't know she was in the hospital and wasn't here. How sad was that?

But she couldn't trust Damon Masters, the man who'd been a father to her. He manipulated people for his own purposes. She'd trusted her mother, although the woman had kept secrets. Secrets like what she planned to do in Mountain Cove that would “shake things up.” Secrets that Sylvie believed led to her death.

The search for answers had now turned treacherous.

There was only one good thing to come of it and that was meeting her family—the whole bunch of them. Was this the only way she ever would have met them? Forced into it by circumstances?

Didn't matter anymore. She was in a situation that required her full attention.

Sylvie fiddled with the splash caddy that had protected her driver's license and bank card, secured against her body while in the water. The troopers said her boat hadn't been recovered, and she'd reported it stolen to the insurance company. Other than the rotating officers guarding her room, the police hadn't been back since their initial questioning. She had no idea if they would search the area where she'd found what might have been part of the missing aircraft, but they were definitely searching for the man who'd tried to kill her twice now. Once in the water and then in the hospital. Regardless, Sylvie believed she was on her own in finding out the truth.

Heidi returned from the little girl's room, as she called it. “Billy should be here soon. Do you want me to wait with you?”

“Billy? You mean Will?”

Heidi angled her head, a curious smile playing on her lips. “I guess so.”

Sylvie shook her head. “No, no. Please, go to your appointment. I'll be fine.”

“Okay, then, I'll head out—but there's something I want to say first. Growing up with three brothers, I always prayed for a sister. Then I got three sisters-in-law, Leah, Tracy and Cobie, and now you, a half sibling. I just wish we could have known each other growing up.” Heidi's face colored.

Now that would have been awkward. She suspected Heidi thought the same thing. Sylvie was still baffled at how graciously the family had received her—the child their father had created while cheating on their mother. Learning of his betrayal, even as adults, had to leave them confused and bitter. Would they have been able to handle it as children? She wasn't sure. But she did know that her life would have been richer and fuller for all these years if her siblings had been part of it all along.

“Yeah, me, too.” Sylvie had been on the outside of the family looking in until this week, when she'd entered the hospital fighting for her life.

Will stepped into the room and relief whooshed through Sylvie. She wasn't exactly sure why.

“Well,” Heidi said, “I should get going. I want to head Isaiah off at the entrance. He's being so wonderful—overprotective, but wonderful. See you guys later.” Heidi waved and stepped out.

Will turned his attention to Sylvie, his brown eyes cocooning her in warmth and safety. She tried to shake it off. The effect he had on her scared her. She needed distance. Especially since being near her had put him directly in harm's way too many times already.

How did she remedy that?

Will was all she had in this. The only person she could trust. She'd never needed anyone before. Didn't want to need him now. Was it really necessary to depend on him? Surely now that law enforcement was involved, she'd be able to get through this on her own.

He sat in the chair. “I'm sorry I'm late. Have you signed the release papers yet?”

“Yes, I'm waiting on the nurse to bring the wheelchair, which is so stupid.”

“Hospital policy.”

“Yeah, I get that.” Sylvie needed to say goodbye. She needed time to regroup and figure this out alone. Not put him in danger anymore.

He'd argue, of course. They were on the same search, after all. But Sylvie wasn't at all sure that she wanted him to find the answers. She was afraid of what that truth was, and she couldn't trust Will with secrets.

He'd already shown her that.

Sylvie shifted, uncomfortable with her thoughts. Her need to get away had as much to do with the warmth she felt—the increase in her pulse at his intense gaze—as it did the need to keep him out of danger, and perhaps to keep him from learning things she'd rather keep hidden.

What was he thinking, just now?

He'd quickly flown right over the barriers she'd erected to protect her heart. How could that happen when Sylvie knew better than to let her guard down? Her mother's life had practically self-destructed over two different men she'd loved.

She let thoughts of the way her real father had hurt her mother wash over her. Images of how Damon had treated her mother accosted her. Those thoughts should do the trick. Help her cut Will loose.

“What's wrong?” His brows twisted. “Sylvie, tell me.”

“I don't know what you're doing here. You didn't have to come.”

He stood, startling her. “What do you mean? Of course you know why I'm here. Have you forgotten we're in this together? Someone is trying to kill you, tried to kill both of us, and our mothers died together. Sylvie, this involves us both.”

She averted her gaze, hating the pain she was causing him.

“Sylvie, look at me.”

She didn't want to. “Will, I'm going home. I'll take a cab to the airport and be back in Seattle in a few hours.”

“Are you forgetting that someone found you scuba diving in the middle of nowhere? That someone followed us both to Snake's cabin and shot down the man who rescued us? And someone came into this hospital and tried to kill you here. Are you forgetting that?”

Sylvie hated how weak she still felt, but she sprung to her feet to meet Will's challenge. “No, Will, I haven't forgotten. But I cannot be responsible for anyone else getting killed in the crossfire. No one has tried to kill you, except as a way to get to me. Even yesterday, the man with the gun—he only aimed it at me. Your life was at risk merely from your proximity to me. Now, argue with me on that point.”

The nurse came in with the wheelchair and cocked a brow. “Keep it down in here.” She gave Sylvie a cursory glance. “You ready?”

Nodding, Sylvie sat in the wheelchair.

The nurse pushed her forward, and she felt all the more an idiot—getting scolded for yelling like she was a misbehaving child. Stupid hospital policy. She wanted to tell Will to go home, but she wouldn't make more of a scene in the hospital. Wouldn't embarrass him.

“You hate flying, Sylvie.” He walked next to her as the nurse pushed the wheelchair.

“What?”

“You're not going to fly back to Seattle because you hate flying, remember?”

Sylvie refused to continue this conversation until they had privacy. Thankfully, Will didn't press her for an immediate answer. The nurse pushed the wheelchair onto the elevator. They rode the box down to the next floor. The wheelchair rolled forward until Sylvie was finally wheeled through the hospital exit. She stood and bid the nurse to take the wheelchair and go. Sylvie wished she had called for her own cab, but Heidi had interrupted her with the clothes for which she was grateful. And then Will turned up to escort her.

So she couldn't escape right away. But at least now she could reply to Will. “I remember.”

His eyes were devoid of their usual warmth. “Then you'll remember that my mother also died on that plane. I'm in up to my neck. I can't keep you here. I can't even force you to work with me on this, but I'll ask you to do me one favor.”

“What's that?”

“Tell Chief Winters everything you know, so that we can work on things from Mountain Cove.”

Mountain Cove.

Sylvie blew out a breath. She hadn't exactly told them everything. She hadn't mentioned her suspicions about Damon because she had nothing to go on, no specific proof to inplicate him, nor had they asked. But Sylvie'd heard the fear in her mother's voice, and she was still trying to figure out why her mother was running to Mountain Cove, of all places.

Once again, Will waited for her reply. Sylvie watched patients being wheeled from the hospital and greeted by loved ones. Others entering the facility. She thought again of her mother's last words. The voice mail she'd left.

Sylvie, it's Mom. I can't say much over the phone but please be careful.
Hesitation, then a whisper
, Watch your back, baby. Be aware of your surroundings. I'll explain why tomorrow. I'm flying to Mountain Cove on a bush plane. I know what you're thinking, but I'll tell you more when I get there. It's Damon... Oh... I've gotta go now, but I wanted you to know just in case...well, that I love you...

Just in case what? That her plane crashed? At first, she actually thought Mom had been reminding Sylvie to be careful while scuba diving.

But to Mountain Cove? That meant all kinds of trouble.

The way she'd said
I love you
like it might be her last time, and the fearful tone in her voice, and Sylvie knew her message had layers of meaning. That she was scared. She'd brought up Damon. What had she been going to say? Was she finally trying to leave him?

And now she was dead.

Sylvie decided she should try to contact Ashley Wilson as soon as she made it back to Seattle. Her mother and Ashley, Damon's assistant, were friends. Sylvie had joined them for lunch on occasion. Ashley might know something that Regina had failed to share with Sylvie.

But whatever Ashley might say, Sylvie could only think of one reason her mother would return to Mountain Cove.

She was running from Damon.

He would never believe she had gone there, since he knew about her bad memories of the town. It was the only place she could escape him.

Sylvie couldn't forget that Damon was not only her stepfather, but he was also a powerful man. And apparently more dangerous than she could have imagined. Nausea roiled at the thought.

A chill ran over Sylvie. She glanced at Will, who still waited for her reply. She had to admit the man was patient.

“I've already talked to the Alaska State Troopers. I don't have time to go to Mountain Cove. My vacation time is up in a week.”

“No need to go to Mountain Cove to talk to Chief Winters.” Will gestured behind Sylvie.

She turned and a man stepped forward from where he leaned against a column. Though he wasn't dressed in uniform, she glanced back at Will. “Chief Winters?”

TEN

W
ill ushered Sylvie into the taxi that he'd called, and Chief Winters flanked her on the other side.

Inside the cab Sylvie's wide, questioning eyes trapped him. “What was that about?”

“I was afraid the attackers might not let you walk away from the hospital without trying something else. I asked Chief Winters to come today as a favor, to make sure you were able to leave safely.”

Will wished they could have had a big security detail of Juneau Police or Alaska State Troopers, but Sylvie's troubles didn't rank, and all he could get was Chief Winters. This wasn't even the man's jurisdiction. The Alaska State Troopers were looking into Snake's murder and investigating Sylvie's story. They worked off facts, and Will and Sylvie didn't have many to offer. Add to that Alaska was one-fifth the size of the lower forty-eight. The geography and remoteness presented barriers.

“Thanks, but...” She lifted fiery eyes to him, defiance burning in them. “I can't live in hiding. I'm not going to hire a bodyguard to go with me everywhere.”

Now, there's an idea.
Something Will could have grinned about if this wasn't serious.

Sure, he had a business to run, but he'd put it on hold until he resolved this. He had two planes to recoup and needed to discover the truth about what happened to his mother before he'd open up for business again. In the meantime, he referred his business to other bush pilot friends and hoped his regulars would come back when this was over.

“First things first.” Chief Winters rubbed his ear. “Let's get some coffee. Grab some lunch. I'm starved. And you can tell me your story while we eat.”

Sylvie gave Will a look. She didn't want to repeat herself. He understood, but he kept silent until they made it to their destination.

They entered the coffee shop a few streets over from the hospital. Chief Winters chose a booth in the far corner, his back to the wall. Of course. Following his lead, Will sat next to him, regretting his move when Sylvie slid in across from them. He hoped she didn't feel as if she was under interrogation, with them ganged up against her. She eyed their surroundings, and Will did, too. A couple of older men at a table. A young mother coddling an infant and toddler with Cheerios while she waited for someone. The door chimed when another man entered and searched for a seat.

Was he someone following them? Someone bent on silencing Sylvie? Will continued to watch the man, while the waitress approached their booth and took their orders.

Will waited until she'd returned with their beverages then said to the chief, “Thanks again for agreeing to meet us.”

“Your mother was a friend, you know that.” Chief Winters sugared up his coffee. “I want to keep my finger on the pulse of this investigation.”

He glanced at Sylvie, who sipped iced tea and looked like a caged animal watching for an escape. So far, she hadn't said a word since they'd left the cab. He'd hoped she would feel more comfortable with Chief Winters than with the Alaska State Troopers who had interrogated them both.

“I'm glad you're out of the hospital,” Will said. “I can't think of a less safe environment for you, confined to a bed like that, even with the security detail stationed at your door. I noticed he was conveniently gone today.”

“They're spread too thin, Will, just as we all are.” The police chief shifted his gaze to Sylvie. “So, tell me about yourself.”

Will leaned against the seat back. With his easy ways, Chief Winters was good at getting people to talk, and Will was counting on that. But after half an hour, Will knew nothing more about things than he had before. At least Chief Winters heard her story, and Will could trust the man to stay in touch with his Alaska State Troopers counterparts regarding the investigation, if it went anywhere.

Sylvie pushed her emptied plate forward. “Thanks for the meal. Much better than hospital food. And, Will—” appreciation poured from her hazel eyes, but it was mingled with regret “—I know you want answers to what happened to your mother as much as I want them for myself, but there's nothing else I can do here. I need to get home and regroup. Figure things out from there, if I can.”

“This is about more than getting answers.” Will couldn't say why he did it, but he reached across the table and grabbed her hand, which put a different meaning on his words than he'd intended. “This is about keeping you safe. Someone's trying to kill you, Sylvie.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile. “You're my hero, Will. But...”

“I'm not looking to be a hero. I wasn't waiting to hear you tell me that. I want to know how you're going to stay alive. What's your plan?”

“I think... I hope all this was just a warning. If I go back home then it should stop.”

Will removed his hand from hers. She was too smart to believe that. What was she trying to pull? Will wouldn't let her try to fool him. “Don't do this. Don't treat me like an idiot.”

“Excuse me?”

“You're too smart to believe it was only a warning. I know that.
You
know that.”

Sylvie looked to Chief Winters for help. Will kind of wanted his help, too, in convincing her she couldn't do this alone. Wisely, Chief Winters chose to say nothing at all.

“Okay, so you got me.” She fidgeted with her paper napkin. “But it doesn't matter. I'm leaving today. I have to go home. Look what happened to your plane because of me. Look what happened to Snake! I won't be the reason something even worse happens to you, Will. Now, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me, I'm leaving.”

Sylvie slid from the booth and started for the door. Will moved to follow her but Chief Winters grabbed him, held him captive. “Let her go for now.”

“But...”

“It's clear she needs space. We can't force her to stay.”

“You agreed to be here when she left the hospital in case these men tried something else, and now we're just going to let her go? Shouldn't we watch out for her?”

“We can't follow her to Seattle.”

They watched through the window as Sylvie climbed into a taxi, vulnerable, defenseless.

“Maybe you can't follow her, but I can.”

Amusement flashed in Chief Winters's gaze. “I'm getting the sense that this is about a lot more than a murder investigation for you. More than just keeping her safe.”

The man's words hit him in the gut. “I'm not interested in her, if that's what you mean. I'm only interested in protecting her and finding out who had the motivation and ability to knock a plane out of the sky. Who is trying to kill her.”

“A noble cause, to be sure.” Chief Winters stretched his legs beneath the booth. “But looks like Sylvie isn't the only one who hasn't realized the truth.”

Will hoped Chief Winters wasn't reading too much into his reaction. He didn't want to accept that he was growing more attached to Sylvie every day. But the police chief, trained to read people, hadn't been fooled. Will had been the only fool. He had some kind of thing for Sylvie Masters. How did he cut off those feelings and protect her at the same time?

Will stood and dropped a few small bills on the table. Enough to pay for their meals and a tip.

“Better hurry if you're going to catch her,” Chief Winters said. “Don't worry about me, I can find my own way home. Let me know what you learn, if anything. I'll do the same. And Will, be careful. Don't let your attraction to her cloud your judgment. These people play for keeps.”

* * *

Sylvie stood on the ferry that would deliver her to Bellingham, Washington. If she'd flown, it would have taken a few hours. By boat, it would take two and a half days to get there.

Nausea roiled inside. What was she doing here on this ferry filled with strangers? The boat was packed with fishermen, those seeking work or adventure, retired couples and a few that looked like they were up to no good.

The ferry from Bellingham to southeast Alaska was commonly termed “the poor man's cruise.” She'd been fortunate to book passage, but she'd been too late to get a cabin. Nor had she had the foresight to bring a small tent like so many others who would sleep out on the deck and under the solarium.

She'd have to join the ranks of those sleeping on the chairs. At least she could rent a pillow and blanket. If only she'd gotten over her ridiculous fear of flying, but her experience with Will had only served to deepen her fears. That, and the fact her mother had died in a plane crash.

So she couldn't bring herself to book a flight from Juneau to Seattle.

Supposedly, flying was the safest way to travel. But Sylvie had never been one to count the stats. Standing outside, the wind blew cold and continuously with the movement of the ship. She tugged her hood over her head. Drew in a breath of fresh Alaskan air. Took in the view. Gray clouds hung low, sometimes hiding the peaks of snow-capped mountains. Tree-laden islands, some surprisingly small and others massive by contrast, dotted the channel of the Inside Passage. The scenery brought a measure of peace.

And at least for the time being, Sylvie felt safe from killers. After all, how could the men looking for her have known she'd choose this route to get home? If they were looking for her, surely they'd be looking at airports.

This hadn't been such a bad idea, after all. She needed time to think about everything that had happened without nurses hovering or interrupting her thoughts every couple of hours, and without Will's hospital visits. Now that she had been released, she was free. She could put distance between them and keep him from harm's way.

Why had he come to see her so often and stayed so long every time he came to the hospital? He said it was because they were in this together because of their mothers. But the tenderness in his touch and the care pouring from his eyes told her it was more than that. He was there because he believed there was something more personal between him and Sylvie.

Was he right? She wasn't sure. His presence scrambled her thoughts. She liked him, and she didn't want to like him. She owed him her life, and she didn't want to owe anyone. Sylvie couldn't lead him on like that. Couldn't hurt him, couldn't hurt herself, letting something develop between them that could go nowhere.

But despite her persuasive arguments to leave Will behind, she knew she could use someone's help right now, which had her wishing she hadn't pushed him away. Make that run away. And that was what Sylvie had done. She'd run away from Will.

Leaning over the banister, she watched the ferry's wake. As a diving trainer, she understood the importance of being smart and planning out her actions down to the minute. Anything else could get her killed. And yet she'd almost lost her life due to her gross miscalculations. How could she protect herself now? Backing off seemed the most obvious answer, but it was one she wouldn't accept.

Regardless of her mistakes, she would keep searching for the truth that someone didn't want her to find.

A shiver crawled over her. She turned her back to the beauty of southeast Alaska to watch other passengers, wondering if she might actually be in danger from any of them.

Were her attackers still after her? Would they follow her back to Washington or wait for her there?

And the biggest question of all. Who was
they
?

A gust whipped across her face, raking her eyes. Sylvie blinked to moisten them.

Was Damon involved? Had he killed her mother? Her heart ached at the thought. She couldn't accept that he might be the reason her mother was dead. Couldn't be behind those who had tried to kill her. Even though their relationship had been strained these past few years, and even though he was an adulterer, Sylvie found it hard to believe Damon could be capable of murder. Could she trust him? No. And he certainly had the means.

She wished she could think of someone else who might be responsible, but she couldn't.

Across the channel, she watched a cruise ship make its way north. Sylvie blinked up in time to see a man standing on the other side of the ferry. His gaze flicked away from her. Had he been watching her? He disappeared around a corner.

Dread coiled around her spine.

She was definitely in over her head. If someone had followed her, intending to kill her or push her over the side, how could she protect herself? How did she stay alive long enough to solve this—something her mother hadn't been able to do? If only Will was here. If she'd asked him, he would have come.

Stop it! Stop thinking about him.
What was done, was done. Sylvie was on her own now, as it should be.

Thinking back on their last conversation, she decided that a bodyguard wasn't such a bad idea, at least until this was over. Normally this would be something for which she would ask for her stepfather's assistance. He had his own security detail. But she couldn't trust them now—not while she suspected he might be involved. Sylvie hated the tumultuous thoughts coursing through her. He'd given her a good home, everything she'd wanted except for two parents who loved each other. What had her mother running to Mountain Cove if not her husband? She was always on a witch hunt; what had she discovered? Whatever it was had gotten her killed.

Suddenly, the wide open space, the waters of the channel and the forest, closed in on Sylvie. The air smothered her. When she glanced around, she realized that she was alone on this portion of the deck. Where had everyone gone? The cafeteria for a hot meal?

She had to get out of here, but she was stuck on this ferry for three days.

Three days.

Her pulse shot up as Sylvie pushed from the rail to run, to flee. To where, she had no idea.

She hurried around a corner and ran into a wall of a man. A yelp escaped as the man gripped her. Her heart jumped to her throat and she tried to free herself, except his grip tightened as he pulled her close.