When I Find You: A Trust No One Novel (22 page)

The surf was loud. The whitecaps continually rolled in and receded. The sun warmed the sand and made the water a deeper shade of blue-green. The stiff ocean breeze whipped her hair around her face and the seagulls soared on the air currents above her head. She loved the slightly fishy smell of the ocean. Why did she stay away so long? Would she ever see it again if she went with the Fontanas?

Darcy sat in the warm sand facing the water. A father and small daughter near the water’s edge were trying to fly a kite—without much success—but there was a look of pure joy on the little girl’s face. A group of five women walked arm-in-arm, laughing and talking. It was obviously a girls’ getaway, and Darcy envied them. She thought about her mother and couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a girls’ weekend, or any other kind of weekend. Suddenly overcome with homesickness, tears formed in her eyes. Blinking them back, she took out her cell phone and dialed her parents’ number. Her mother answered on the second ring.

“Hey, Mom, how are you?”

“Better now. Darcy, I’m so glad you called.” Her mother’s voice rang with excitement, and it brought the tears back to Darcy’s eyes. For a moment she couldn’t talk.

“Are you all right, dear?”

She’d never been able to hide anything from her mom. “Something has happened, Mom. I’m going to be fine, but . . . can I come home? Just for a little while—until I find a job and a place of my own.” There was no response and it took a moment for Darcy to realize her mother was crying softly.

“Oh Mom, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“Sweetheart, you can always come home. Stay as long as you like.”

“Thanks. What do you think about you and me getting away for a few days? Just the two of us.”

“I’d love it. Where should we go?”

“How about a tropical island somewhere?”

“Sounds wonderful. I’ll pick up some travel brochures.”

“I’ve got a couple loose ends to tie up here. I’ll call as soon as I know my schedule.”

“Is there anything we can help with?”

“You already did. I love you, Mom.” Darcy was smiling when she ended the call. Somewhere during her conversation with her mother, she’d found the answer she’d been looking for.

Chapter Thirteen

“T
HAT WAS QUICK.
Everything okay?” Walker leaned against the railing with his thumbs hooked in his pockets and studied her for clues as to what she’d decided.

“I love the ocean. Thanks for bringing me. It was just what I needed.”

Darcy’s smile warmed him and made it seem as though he’d imagined the kiss, and his overreaction to it, that had ripped their friendship apart the night before. Refreshed, relaxed, happy almost, her expression radiated peacefulness. Never one to expect things to go his way, he braced himself for the news he dreaded, but she remained silent as they walked back to the car. Inside, with the engine running, Walker’s patience couldn’t take anymore.

He turned toward her. “You called him, didn’t you? You told him you’d meet him somewhere, even though you promised you’d talk to me first.”

“Chill, Walker. I called my mother.” She looked at him as though he’d lost his mind.

“Oh . . . sorry.” Okay, so he’d made a fool of himself, but he was dying here and he didn’t give a damn what anyone thought. “Guess I’ve learned to expect the worst. Why don’t you tell me the plan and put me out of my misery?” He pulled out of the motel parking lot and pointed the car toward the house on the hill.

A deep sigh escaped her. “I’m not going with the Fontanas into the witness protection program.” She stared out the side window at the wind-capped waves and didn’t look at him. “Since Johnny isn’t dead, the marshals don’t need my testimony, so there’s no reason for me to give up my life . . . not even for Eddy and Nick. It wouldn’t be fair to my parents to simply disappear without a trace. I can’t imagine how awful that would be.”

Relief flooded through him. He could imagine. While waiting, he’d thought of nothing else. He snuck a glance at her. Did she understand how permanent her separation from those kids would be? They’d disappear from her life, and she’d never get to know where they went or how they turned out.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

She looked at her hands and then out the window—everywhere but at him. Her fingers twirled her hair nervously.

“Obviously, there’s more. What is it?”

“I have to see them. To say good-bye. I can’t just let them disappear. I have to get on that bus and meet Johnny so I can see them one more time.” She still refused to meet his gaze.

“I can understand that. I know this will be hard for you. Did you think I wouldn’t take you to meet him?”

She looked at her hands again and then finally turned her green eyes on him. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Walker, but . . . I don’t want you there.”

Apprehension squeezed his insides and anger flared. “If you think you’re going to meet him by yourself, you’re crazy.”

“Cooper will go with me.”

“Sending Cooper with you would be worse than letting you go alone. How do you know it’s not him Johnny suspects? Why are you so sure it’s me?”

A second of uncertainty wrinkled her brow. “That’s ridiculous. Cooper is a U.S. deputy marshal.”

“Evans was a U.S. marshal.”

“. . . and Cooper shot him because he tried to kidnap me. Look, I don’t like Cooper any more than you do, but I trust he’ll do his job. I know you’re not out to get them. I trust you with my life, but I owe Johnny and the boys the courtesy of respecting their opinions. I have to do this.”

“And what if it’s not me or Cooper that Johnny is afraid of? What if there’s someone else out there just waiting to get you alone?” Walker turned off the highway and bumped along the rough, uphill road.

“I’m aware I could be taking a chance, but I have to do this, Walker. You have to let me do this. Please don’t make me sneak out while you’re sleeping.”

“That works both ways. I could always lock you in your room. What about respecting my opinion? Damn it! I’m just trying to keep you alive.” He was about as angry and scared as he’d ever been in his life. The volume of his voice steadily rose.

“I’m going with Cooper and it’s not open for discussion. It’s not your problem anymore.”

She turned away, but not before he saw the sadness settle in her eyes. He’d give anything to take back his angry words. Maybe if he’d waited and let her calm down, he might have talked some sense into her. Instead, she’d raised her chin defiantly and chosen to put her life in Cooper’s hands. That bastard was bad news. Thinking about him taking Darcy into a possibly dangerous situation made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

He had to calm down before he talked to her again. If he could keep his temper under wraps, maybe she’d listen. He felt hollow at the thought of her leaving. Wouldn’t be his problem anymore? Goddamnit. She’d be his problem for a long, long time.

Walker pulled up to the house and parked the Land Rover in the garage, pushing the button to close the overhead door. He thought about killing that idiot deputy, but she’d probably make good on her threat, sneak out, and go alone. The idea of her never coming back nearly took his breath away. They went in the house, and Walker immediately stepped out on the deck. After a few minutes, he sensed her presence behind him.

“There’s one more thing.” Her voice trembled slightly.

“Well, spit it out.” What could possibly top her last announcement?

“I want you . . . to make love to me.”

He swung around, sure he’d heard her wrong. She stood tensely in front of him, her fists clenched at her sides, uncertainty warring with determination in her eyes. A rosy glow spread across her pale cheeks.

Walker laughed coarsely. “That’s rich. Last night you didn’t want anything to do with me or my apology. Now, all of a sudden, you want in my bed? Is this the consolation prize for stepping aside and letting you see if you can get yourself killed?”

The instant pain in her eyes stabbed him through, but he refused to be swayed. Her cheeks flamed red and she dropped her gaze. When she looked at him again, determination had won out in her expression.

Her voice was soft but laced with steel. “I can’t imagine trusting any other man as much as you. I’ve gotten a few signals from you that made me think you might not be completely opposed to the idea, but I’ve done everything except show up naked in your bed. I guess that should have been my first clue you’re just not interested. I understand. I know you could never be satisfied with a small-town girl like me.”

“Darcy, you’ve—”

“I’m not finished.” She held up a hand and stopped him. He bit back the words and gave her the floor with a sweep of his hand.

“I’m not asking for forever—just today—a few minutes while there’s nobody else in the house. I have no expectations beyond that and I won’t make you sorry later.”

“Darcy, I’m—”

“Still not done.” She held up her hand again. “Do you think I’m not afraid, Walker? Leaving you to go meet Johnny scares me to death. I’m way out of my comfort zone here. I was hoping for just a little bit of your strength. At the very least, I need to know you’re not mad at me before I go.” She paused. “Okay, I think I’m done now. You can make more of your excuses, or you can just tell me you don’t want me. I’m a big girl. I can take it.”

Didn’t want her? She had it all wrong. Where had she ever gotten the idea he wasn’t interested, or that he wouldn’t be satisfied with her? Holy shit! Her kisses had practically brought him to his knees. Oh, he wanted her, all right, in ways she’d probably never heard of, and he’d delight in teaching her. He’d rejected her twice and put that hurt expression on her face. If she gave him enough time before she came to her senses, he’d make it up to her.

He took two strides and caught her around the waist. “Shall I show you how much I want you?” His mouth came down on hers, devouring, possessing. He couldn’t get enough of her. When he lifted his head and pulled her tightly against him, her inhaled breath and the widening of her eyes told him she’d become aware of his arousal. “I told you I was done with the high road.”

He kissed her neck and ear before capturing her lips again. He was half-afraid she’d realize what she’d gotten herself into and struggle to get away. God help him, he wasn’t sure he had the willpower to let her go, but when he looked at her again, she smiled. Ignoring the angel on his shoulder screaming this was wrong, he relegated guilt to the back of his mind. He’d have to deal with it later, just like he’d have to address the other things she’d said—but not now. He turned her around and pulled her back against him so he could whisper in her ear.

“Naked . . . in my bed . . . now.”

She shivered and glanced over her shoulder, uncertain again.

“Go on. I’ll be right behind you. I just want to make sure everything is locked tight.” He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her purely woman scent. When he spoke again, he couldn’t keep his voice from trembling. “Go, or we’re not going to make it up the stairs.” He gave her a little shove toward the door.

The next instant, he heard a gunshot and felt a tearing pain in his side.

“Get down!” He dropped and pulled his gun from his shoulder holster. Darcy hunkered down behind one of the patio chairs a few feet away. He caught her eye. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, her eyes fixed on him. Walker followed her gaze to see his blood dripping on the cedar boards.

“It’s only a scratch.” He reassured her out of habit, but he was losing a substantial amount of blood, even though the bullet had only grazed him. It hurt like hell, but it could have been so much worse. If he hadn’t pushed her away when he did, the bullet that grazed his rib cage would have hit her in the back.

He had to stop the bleeding and find the shooter before the bastard got another shot at Darcy. Quickly, he removed his shirt and belt, ripped off a section of the shirttail, and folded it into a square. Placing it against the wound, he used his belt to cinch it tightly in place.

“Listen to me, Darcy. The shot came from the east corner of the house. I’m going to make sure he doesn’t stick his head out, and you’re going to the safe room.”

“You’re hurt. I’m not leaving you.”

“You can’t help me by staying. I need to know you’re safe. You promised me. Remember?”

“Okay.”

He raised an eyebrow at her sudden reversal but thought it best to proceed before she changed her mind. “Go.” He stood and laid down ten rounds toward the east corner as she scrambled to her feet and ran. After Darcy had disappeared inside the house, he dove for cover and slipped a fresh clip into his gun. He couldn’t stay here. He had to move—now. Carefully, he worked his way to the edge of the deck. Jumping the low railing, he landed on the grass below. In a half crouch, he followed the deck until he had a full view of the east side of the house. No armed intruder lurked there.

He swore as he shook off a wave of dizziness. The bullet had only grazed him. He couldn’t have lost enough blood to make a difference. Bullet wounds were painful, ripping and mangling flesh, but he’d had worse than this and managed to carry on. Shock did strange things to people, though, and his heart had almost stopped a minute ago when he realized how close he’d come to losing Darcy.

All the more reason to stay on task. She would already be in the safe room so he wasn’t worried about her, but he had to find the gunman before he got off another lucky shot.

Instinct or premonition, or maybe just good old-fashioned luck made him glance up to one of the second-story windows in time to see the curtain fall back in place. Walker dove toward the building and the cover it offered. Okay—new game plan. The son of a bitch was in the house.

Chapter Fourteen

D
ARCY RAN STRAIGHT
to the safe room but stayed only long enough to grab the Walther P22 she’d left on the nightstand, check to make sure it was loaded, and shove a handful of shells into her pocket before she rushed back to the stairs leading to the upper level. Her hand on the lever that would open the secret panel, she hesitated. Could the intruder be in the house by now? It wouldn’t be smart to reveal the secret entrance if there was any possibility he could be in the room above. She couldn’t take that chance.