by Karen Kirst
Horror a metallic taste in her mouth, she crawled into the nearest room and prayed he hadn’t seen which direction she’d taken. A sliver of light from an outside source revealed she was in the kitchen again. She hurried past the stoves, backtracked and grabbed a knife from the butcher block, then limped past the fridge and into the storage space.
Olivia crouched in the darkened corner, the knife handle clutched in her palm. Her frantic heartbeat crowded out all sounds. She wouldn’t hear his approach. Did he have a gun on him?
Amid the chaos of her thoughts, there was one constant. Brady.
She didn’t want to leave him like this. He’d blame himself. He’d sink further into protective solitude. He’d be alone forever. That would be a tragedy.
Above the sound of her bated breath, she heard someone’s stealthy approach. She clamped her lips together to trap a terrified wail.
Their shoes squeaked against the tile. Slow. Unsure. Or methodical? Thorough? Which was it?
The fridge hummed to life. The power surged back on. Seconds later, light flooded the room. Not good.
A face peeked around the corner, and Olivia raised the knife.
“Olivia? What are you doing?”
“Maya!” she hissed. Surging upright, she held tight to the knife. “He’s down here. Did you see him?”
“Who?” She stepped more fully into the space, her gaze wary. “What happened to your face? Why are you bleeding?” She pointed to the myriad small cuts on her hand.
“My attacker. He’s here.”
“I didn’t see anyone.”
“Can I use your phone? I lost mine. We need to notify security and the local police.”
Maya watched with wide, frightened eyes as Olivia rattled off explanations into the phone. She was still speaking to Jacksonville PD when the head of security marched in.
Don Welch expressed concern over her ordeal and utter confidence they would locate this guy. He got on his radio and ordered the night guard to keep a sharp eye on the security cameras, just in case the perp was still in the building.
“I’m really sorry, Olivia. I shouldn’t have left you.”
“Where did you go?”
“I had a phone call. Bruno was in the parking lot with takeout from my favorite restaurant. I was only gone a few minutes,” she said defensively.
“A few minutes was all it took,” Olivia told her, hopeful she could keep her emotions in check until she was alone. “He almost got me outside, where he probably had a getaway car waiting.”
“You’re still here, though,” she said, her voice high and thin. “You’re fine.”
Maya didn’t seem to care that she’d almost been abducted. No doubt she was worried her latest mistake would get her fired.
The door swooshed open, and they all tensed. Don reached for his weapon.
“Olivia? You in here?”
At the sound of Brady’s voice, her hold on her emotions stretched to the breaking point. She left the storage area and saw him standing by the stoves. The play of confusion, horror and sorrow over his handsome features made her want to weep.
He held out his arms, and she went willingly into them.
* * *
“Oh, Liv.”
He lifted his hand slowly toward her face and the swollen, angry red welt marring her cheek. She flinched away from his touch. He fisted his hand.
Fury funneled through him to the point he shook with it.
“He got to you, didn’t he?” he uttered in a low, controlled voice. “Despite the precautions.”
Her lips were devoid of color, and her eyes were caverns of hopelessness. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Brady tamped down the questions and reined in the need for retribution. Olivia needed comfort. Right now she needed a friend, not a protector bent on punishing the slug who’d hurt her.
He belatedly noticed Maya and Don Welch. Shame cloaked Maya as she trudged out of the kitchen, her gaze averted. Don told them he’d be out in the hallway standing guard.
Olivia snuggled close, her head tucked beneath his chin and her hand splayed over his heart. He trailed his fingers through her hair. They didn’t speak for a long time. When Brady finished running various scenarios through his mind, he turned to prayer. He thanked God for delivering her from the enemy and asked for divine comfort for her. This sort of trial, on top of everything else she’d had to deal with this past year, would cripple a weaker person. But Olivia was strong and resourceful. More important, she was a woman of devout faith.
Little by little, the tension ebbed from her body and a soft sigh escaped her lips, tickling the dip at the base of his throat. Brady continued to stroke her unbound hair, tenderness for this woman welling up inside. He liked that she’d turned to him for solace. He liked that she trusted him with her vulnerability. He liked her, period.
Brady suspected he was in more danger from his own lonely heart than their enemy.
Olivia eased out of his arms. The story spilled out in bursts. Her terror was evident, but so was her bravery.
“I’m incredibly proud of you,” he told her.
Tipping her chin toward him, he blinked down into her huge brown eyes and discovered a hundred mysteries there. What was she thinking? Did she wish he’d give her space? Or close the inches separating them?
Brady’s gaze snagged on her cheek. Lowering his head, he brushed the lightest of kisses to the bruised flesh. Her breathing pattern changed. He closed his eyes and forced himself to remember his best friend. Derek—and the secret he’d bequeathed to Brady—stood between them.
With herculean effort, he stepped back. “I’ll drive you to the hospital.”
“I’m fine.”
“Ruth will insist. Besides, you may have reinjured your arm using it as a sledgehammer to reach the fire extinguisher.”
She reluctantly agreed. Shaw arrived while she was being examined and waited with Brady in order to take her statement. While he was there, Ruth phoned. Judging by Olivia’s expression, it wasn’t a pleasant conversation.
“What did she say?” Brady asked.
“We agreed that after the gala, I won’t be returning until the case is resolved. I’m allowed to join the upcoming field excursion, but that’s it.”
“I’m sorry. I know that’s not the outcome you wanted.”
“It’s for the best,” she said, trying to be positive. “This way, I can focus all of my energy on the big move.”
Brady masked his relief. Staying away from the aquarium wouldn’t make her happy, but it would lessen the danger.
“I’ll be on hand to help you with that. For now, let’s focus on the gala and getting through it with no more incidents.”
THIRTEEN
Stationed near the platform, Brady reached out and clasped Olivia’s hand, stalling the pen’s incessant clicking. “You’re going to do great,” he murmured. She’d rehearsed her speech so many times she could probably recite it in her sleep. “If our guy is here, he won’t be able to make a move.”
The aquarium director had come through with her promise of heightened security. No one inside this room had escaped a thorough inspection. Shaw had also provided half a dozen plainclothes officers.
Lifting a hand to the sparkly accessory pinning her soft waves into place, she shifted toward him. Her aquamarine dress shimmered in the candlelight. “I’m afraid they’ll be wondering how I got this shiner instead of listening to the information being presented.”
Unable to resist, he took her chin between his thumb and finger and tipped her face up. Her kohl-rimmed eyes were large and alluring. “Liv, they’d have trouble paying attention no matter what. You’re stunning.”
She blinked. “I had no idea you were such a charmer, Captain Johnson.”
“It’s not flattery if it’s the truth.”
“Olivia
.” Ruth tapped her on the shoulder. “It’s almost time.”
Brady lowered his hand, realizing the musicians had finished their set, and those guests not already at the round tables were heading to their seats.
She squared her shoulders and, with a final glance at him, followed the director to the podium. Ruth introduced her. Olivia waited for the polite applause to taper off before asking Roman to stand and be acknowledged. A little way into her speech, a late arrival caused her to falter. Brady stiffened at the sight of Dr. Zach Ledford, whom he recognized from social media photographs Shaw had shown him. The vet found a seat mere steps from the podium, in Olivia’s clear line of sight, and directed his full attention to her. She pinched her lips closed and looked down at her notes.
Brady fought the urge to physically remove Ledford. He asked God to grant her courage and renewed focus. Seconds ticked by. Gripping the podium edge, she picked up where she’d left off.
His fists slowly unclenching, he scrutinized Ledford. The vet sat slightly forward in his chair, his gaze riveted on Olivia. Shaw’s warrant request had come through, but the officers hadn’t found incriminating evidence in his home. Not a surprise, considering he’d been forewarned. They were still waiting to hear if the air station’s visitor pass log presented any clues.
When Olivia finished her speech, Brady escorted her to their table near the buffet stations. “Mission successful,” he told her. “You were informative, direct and not the least bit boring.”
She chuckled. “Thanks, I think.”
Once in their seats, Erin flashed a supportive smile and whispered something in her ear. The look she gave Brady was less friendly.
Ruth introduced another speaker. Brady lost his focus as he observed the sea of faces. Was anyone paying particular attention to Olivia? The pool of suspects seemed to widen before his eyes. Their perp could be someone from another aquarium or in a different facet of the industry entirely. He ran a finger beneath this itchy collar as frustration built.
The speaker gave his closing remarks, and the musicians started into a lively tune. Couples migrated to the dance floor.
Spying the wistfulness in Olivia’s gaze, he asked her to dance. She was grace and allure, mystery and beauty in one package. He was a fool to think for one second that he’d be good enough for her.
“May I cut in?”
Olivia, who’d at some point linked her arms around his neck, straightened suddenly. Her hands slid down to brace against Brady’s chest.
Brady glared at Zach. “No, you may not.”
“I wasn’t asking your permission.” His gaze switched to Olivia. “It’s her choice.”
Their exchange was drawing the attention of nearby couples.
“I’d rather not, Zach,” Olivia said.
He shot Brady a disgruntled look. “May I at least have five minutes of your time? Over at the drink table? Your bodyguard can keep a watchful eye on us the entire time.”
“Five minutes,” she reluctantly agreed.
Brady inserted himself between them as they walked in a line through the crowd. He stationed himself beside the punch bowl, close enough to evaluate Dr. Ledford’s every expression. If he so much as blinked the wrong way, he’d be facedown on the carpet within seconds.
* * *
The cloak of contentment she’d experienced in Brady’s embrace dissipated. She wasn’t at ease around Zach anymore, and he sensed it.
“Relax, Olivia,” Zach said. “Your detective didn’t find anything. There was nothing to find because I would never hurt you.”
She wanted to believe him. The earnestness in his eyes seemed genuine. “I won’t be able to relax until my enemy is in custody.”
In a bid to boost her spirits, Brady had taken her in his Cessna to a tiny South Carolina beach town yesterday. They’d spent hours on the secluded beach, walking along the shoreline and collecting seashells. The outing had proved somewhat therapeutic. Brady had opened up to her, treated her as a trusted confidant. She craved more...more time, more insight, a deeper connection.
Zach’s gaze seemed to miss nothing. His mouth pulled into a frown. “Who is that man to you? I thought you weren’t ready to date.”
Answering that question wasn’t as easy as it used to be. “Captain Johnson is a close friend.”
He glanced at Brady, who hovered a few feet away, his hackles clearly raised. “I get the feeling he views your relationship in a different light.”
Butterflies dipped and danced inside at the thought. “You never mentioned you’d served in the army.”
“The topic never came up. I didn’t deliberately hide the information, and I wasn’t the one who took shots at you.” He studied her wounded cheek. “I want to protect you, if you’ll let me. I can do a better job than that marine is doing.”
Ire flared inside her. “Brady has put his life on the line for me, time and again. I wouldn’t want anyone else at my side.”
“You may live to regret that choice.”
FOURTEEN
Olivia and Brady exited the aquarium in the presence of Shaw and the other officers. More than half of the guests had already left. Olivia had mixed feelings—relief there hadn’t been any trouble and her speech had sparked interest in the breeding program, but also uncertainty over what lay ahead for her professionally. She had no idea when or even if she’d be permitted to return.
She turned at the sound of her colleague Erin calling her name. Brady reluctantly stepped back, granting them privacy.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay at my place tonight?” This was Erin’s second attempt to convince her. “You could do with a change of scenery. And different company.”
“I’m positive. I appreciate the offer, though.”
Hooking her arm through Olivia’s, Erin angled her away from Brady and the other men. Cars maneuvered the parking area on this side of the building. Cold air snuck beneath her full skirt, and she shivered.
“I got the impression you two didn’t get along.”
“That’s no longer the case.”
Erin didn’t look convinced. “I know how tough this year has been for you, that’s all.”
She lowered her voice. “Trust me when I say he’s been good for me.”
“If you change your mind, you have my number.”
Olivia nodded. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Oh right, the field excursion.”
The gunning of a car’s engine echoed through the night. Brady closed the distance between them. “We shouldn’t be out in the open like this.”
“I’ll check in with you tomorrow,” Erin assured her.
An officer walked with them to Brady’s truck. Once they were inside the cab, he got into his unmarked vehicle. He’d follow them to the air station, where an MP would be waiting to take over. In six more days, she’d no longer have marines guarding her home.
Brady adjusted the heating vents as he turned onto the main road. She rested her head against the seat and watched the lights from passing businesses stream through the windshield.
“What are you thinking about?” Brady asked.
“How grateful I am that no one got hurt tonight.”
“The presence of law enforcement was a deterrent.”
She shifted her head in order to study his profile. “Are you hungry? Because I was too keyed up to eat.”
“I noticed. We’ll make a quick stop at the commissary.” He shook his head in mock despair. “Your place is sadly lacking in the ice cream department.”
“I told you, that won’t be the case at my new place. No sense in stocking up on groceries, only to have to move them in a few days.”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
She glanced in the rearview mirror. “It’s nice to have an escort.”
“Shaw and the others have gone above and beyond. I can say the
same for the MPs.”
“Jehovah-jireh.”
“What’s that? Hebrew?”
“Yes. It means God provides. I’ve been studying the different names of God. That one in particular has become meaningful this past year. He’s provided for my emotional and material needs.” Her eyes grew moist. “And now He’s provided you.”
He looked startled. “Me?”
“Yes, you. God knew I’d need a friend and protector.”
Brady turned contemplative, as if being someone’s answer to prayer was a novel idea.
The air station gate came into view, and the officer slowed as Brady executed the right turn. He waved and continued on his way to police headquarters. They pulled in to the visitor area in order to connect with their military escort. Olivia had hoped it would be Corporal Baker, but it was someone new. Lance Corporal Pickens’s bloodshot eyes and clenched jaw were at odds with his baby-faced look.
Pickens trailed them to the commissary and parked beside their truck. He had little to say as he walked them to the sliding entrance doors.
“I’ll wait here.”
Brady nodded. “We won’t be long.”
Inside the brightly lit store, they breezed through the produce and deli sections. Olivia pointed to the sign above the water fountain. “I’m going to duck into the restroom.”
“I’ll wait right here.” In his pristine black tuxedo, he looked as if he’d stepped out of a James Bond movie. Cool as ice, movie-star handsome and treacherous to a girl’s heart.
* * *
She was washing her hands when the lights cut off. The darkness was complete. She couldn’t see her own hand in front of her face.
The fear was instantaneous. Not again.
Olivia used her phone light to see her way past the blow-dryers and employee lockers, around the corner and through the passage to the door. The spot where Brady had been standing was vacant.