by Karen Kirst
“I don’t know.” Olivia hunched down and shifted Erin’s jacket aside. Blood seeped through her shirt.
“Check to see if there’s an exit wound,” he instructed, his back to them.
Lifting Erin’s jacket, she checked. “No.”
Erin’s face crumpled. “That’s bad, isn’t it? The bullet’s lodged inside.”
Tugging off her jacket, Olivia folded it in half and pushed it against the wound. Erin whimpered. “Sorry. We have to slow the bleeding.”
Brady punched in a number and spoke to emergency dispatch. When he’d finished, he glanced over his shoulder. “A downtown business is on fire. Emergency personnel have their hands full battling that and rerouting traffic. Someone will come, but it won’t be soon. We’ll have to get her to the truck and take her ourselves.”
“I can take the gun and provide cover if you want to carry her.”
His jaw was tight enough to bounce nails off of. “Bad idea.”
“Because I haven’t handled a weapon before?”
He shook his head. “We’re dealing with a professional here.”
As if to reinforce his argument, the bark above their heads exploded. Brady returned fire, then lunged to shield them. The ensuing quiet was broken by the incessant ping of raindrops.
“He’s not wasting his ammo,” he bit out. “He’s coolheaded and methodical, a deadly combination. We have to move.”
“I...I can walk on my own,” Erin said.
Olivia put her arm around Erin’s waist. “Lean on me.”
Her complexion turned grayish when they got to their feet. She gritted her teeth. “Which way?”
Brady motioned across the stream. “He’ll expect us to take the obvious route to the vehicle. We’ll have to take a circuitous one.”
Olivia’s hold on Erin tightened. “Ready?”
With Brady providing cover, they navigated the shallow water and slippery rocks and entered the woods. The pines and other evergreens created a natural umbrella, causing the rain to fall in a haphazard pattern. Anxiety wound her insides into taut knots, and the need to run full steam dogged her. Olivia kept looking over her shoulder. When would the next bullet zoom through the trees and find its mark?
She and Erin went first, picking their way through the slippery carpet of leaves and soft earth. Much of the underbrush hadn’t yet succumbed to autumn’s cold, and the vegetation was chest high in places. Brady walked several steps behind them, keeping himself between them and the shooter’s last location. Erin’s initial determination began to flag and her strength wane. There was no way to know if hiking through the forest would cause more damage to her internal organs.
Olivia stopped. “How much farther until we can change direction?”
Dragging his gaze from the terrain they’d covered, he turned around and studied Erin with a grim turn to his mouth.
“We haven’t traveled far. Maybe half a mile.”
“It’s okay,” Erin said slowly, squeezing her eyes tight. “I can keep going.”
A hollow crack was chased by a whistling bullet. It whizzed past Olivia, inches from her head, and dug into the ground.
“Run!” Brady barked as the shooter continued to open fire.
They dashed through the trees as fast as Erin’s injury allowed. Brady got off several shots. They stumbled upon a rusted-out canoe and, farther on, a dilapidated shack and empty dog houses.
Erin clutched her middle. “I have to rest for a minute.”
“Get behind that shack.” Brady ducked behind the canoe.
Erin leaned more heavily on Olivia. Once they’d reached the far side of the ramshackle building, her knees gave out and she slid to the ground.
“I’m sorry.” Tears leaked from her eyes.
Olivia clutched her hand, guilt a paralyzing weight. While she’d given Erin the option of joining the other team, this was her fault.
“You’ve nothing to apologize for.”
Her eyes closed. “I’m slowing you down.”
“We are going to reach the truck, and we are going to get you to the hospital.” There was no other acceptable outcome.
The exchange of gunfire pierced the stillness. Olivia flinched. Brady was in a precarious position, with nothing but a rotted-out boat to protect him.
Please, Father, lead us to safety.
When he sprinted around the corner unharmed, relief eclipsed despair.
“How is she?”
Olivia gently nudged Erin’s hand out of the way. The bleeding had increased at a faster rate than she’d hoped.
“We need a different plan.”
His expression turned grimmer. “Let me carry her.”
“While you also fend off the shooter?” Erin gasped. “No thanks.”
“We’ll split up,” he said. “I’ll draw him away while you two return to the truck. It’s almost dark. The gathering shadows will hinder his sight.”
“I don’t like it,” Olivia said.
“It’s our best option.”
“What if you get shot, too? On your own, you could bleed out or get disoriented and lose your way.”
Raindrops slid down his cheek and dripped off his chin. His wet hair was plastered to his head. His blue-gray eyes, when they regarded her, communicated sadness and regret. It was the same expression he’d worn for days, only now it gutted her. Because if they split up, there was no guarantee she’d see him again.
“I’ll have my phone.” He inclined his head toward Erin. “We don’t have time to waste.”
Olivia didn’t speak as he helped Erin to her feet. She listened as he explained the exact route they should take.
“When you reach the truck, don’t wait for me.” He shucked off his jacket and insisted she put it on. “Get her to the hospital and stay with security.”
She seized his wrist. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”
His gaze clinging to hers, he nodded. “I promise.”
* * *
Brady hated this plan, but Erin’s slow progress wouldn’t allow them to reach safety otherwise. He instructed them to wait five minutes before heading out. Olivia’s guarded veil slipped for the first time in days, and what he saw in her eyes gave him hope. Maybe she didn’t despise him, after all. Maybe the damage he’d inflicted could be repaired. Maybe she’d look at him like she had at the gala and later, in his living room—like he was worthy of her admiration.
Praying for the Lord’s protection for them all, he started through the trees without trying to mask his whereabouts. The shooter’s responding shot told him he’d taken the bait. Good. He had to lure him away and give the women enough time to reach the company truck.
He hiked at an uneven speed to let the shooter think Erin was there, too. The distant crunch of leaves and occasional snap of a branch reassured him that he was in pursuit. Brady wound between the trees until he reached the water, farther downstream from where they’d been earlier. Dusk was complete, the sky overhead a bruised grayish purple. At least the cold rain had stopped. Hunkering at the tree’s base, he tossed a stick into the stream and waited for the shooter’s response.
He waited in vain. Brady shoved upright and examined the woods that spread out around him in a painter’s study of dreary browns. The silence was excruciating.
Was he out there, obscured by the underbrush, his sights trained on Brady? Or had he figured out the ruse?
His gut clenched. With no other option, he sprinted into the clearing and splashed through the stream, his body braced for an onslaught. He reached the other side convinced he was alone.
The enemy had gone after Olivia.
* * *
“There’s the truck,” she gasped, her upper back protesting Erin’s weight. The woods had thinned suddenly and opened into a clearing that revealed the gravel access road.
Her friend gru
nted a response. She was hovering on the edge of consciousness.
Wedging her shoulder more firmly against Erin, Olivia readjusted her hold on her waist. “All we have to do is cross the stream, okay? Then we’re out of here.”
Getting Erin medical attention was paramount, but that didn’t mean she was okay with abandoning Brady.
“Erin?”
“Mmm.”
Her eyes were closed, her mouth slack. Please, Lord Jesus, let her stay conscious long enough to reach the truck.
“Stay with me, Erin.”
Olivia urged her forward. Their progress was erratic and painstaking. Once, in the midst of the stream, Erin almost slipped from her grasp. Somehow, she managed to keep her upright. She half dragged her the rest of the way.
“Thank you, Jesus.” Opening the passenger door, Olivia got her into the seat. She was about to secure the seat belt when a masked figure rounded the truck’s front.
Olivia’s mouth opened in a silent scream. Slamming the door, she backed away, her hands up.
The long-range rifle was slung around his back. He raised his arm and pointed a handgun at her head.
She was moments away from death. Brady would forever believe she didn’t care enough to extend grace and forgiveness. He’d never know how her feelings for him had changed or how much that frightened her.
The gun fired, and her scream blasted through the forest.
SEVENTEEN
The anticipated pain didn’t register.
“Olivia! Run!”
The gunman seized her arm before she could make out that Brady had fired a shot. He missed, however. Too much ground separated them. The gunman jerked her behind the truck and propelled her away from the access road.
She attempted to impede his progress, digging in her feet and grasping at branches. His grip was like an iron manacle. She glimpsed a beat-up sedan deliberately hidden by tree limbs, and her stomach sank. He shoved her against the car, her forehead cracking against the window. Black dots danced in her vision. Fisting his hand in her hair, he dragged her around to the back and popped the trunk.
Panic slithered through her. What did the news articles always say? Never get into the car with an abductor.
“Brady! Over here!”
The gunman growled and yanked her hair so hard it brought tears to her eyes. She wasn’t about to give up. She slammed her heel into his shin. Elbowed him in the ribs. Swung her cast up and around, but he ducked out of reach.
His fingers digging into her arms, he pushed her upper body into the trunk space. The stench of seawater assaulted her nose the moment her face met the rough carpet-like interior. She gagged.
He caught her ankles and lifted her legs.
Gunfire crackled through the woods. He howled and dropped her, stumbling and clutching his shoulder. A bullet must’ve struck him.
“Olivia!”
She scrambled out of the trunk cavity in time to see the gunman spin and prepare to shoot. Brady was already there, however. He tackled the gunman to the ground. The gun skittered out of reach. They rolled. Exchanged blows.
Olivia finally thought to search for the gun. She tore through the leaves, desperation making her sloppy.
Behind her, the commotion ceased and an engine growled to life. The car lurched forward. Spinning in a wide arc, it gained speed and rumbled over the terrain.
Brady fired at the fleeing vehicle. The rear windshield shattered. The car didn’t slow, however.
Olivia jogged over to Brady. “Are you hurt?”
His lower lip was busted, and there was a tiny cut above his eyebrow. His chest heaved. “No. You?”
She shook her head and wished she hadn’t. A massive headache was forming behind her eyes. “Erin’s in the truck.”
“I saw her. She was unconscious.”
They broke into a run, retracing their route. The wail of sirens could be heard in the distance. Olivia slid onto the bench seat.
“Erin? Can you hear me?”
Her head was propped against the window, her eyes closed and pulse erratic.
Brady got in, closed the door and engaged the locks.
“She’s lost too much blood,” Olivia murmured, renewed fear gripping her.
“The hospital’s not far.”
He guided the truck over the bumpy gravel. At the main road, he braked hard. Olivia used the dashboard to brace herself. Sirens wailed louder. An ambulance raced their direction.
When it began to slow, she said, “I think that’s for us.”
Brady parked and waved them down. Together, they relayed what happened as the EMTs got Erin onto a gurney. A pair of patrol cars arrived on the scene, and drawing them away from the ambulance, the officers took their statements. A crime scene unit was called in.
Olivia watched the ambulance leave. “I’d hoped to get some idea of her condition before they left.”
“Are we free to go, Officer?” Brady asked.
“You should have an escort. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll follow you.”
He went to speak to his fellow officer, and Brady guided her to the truck. He opened the passenger door. At the sight of the blood, tears threatened.
“I should never have come.”
He urged her around, tugged her against his chest and twined his arms around her. “This isn’t the time to second-guess ourselves. Erin’s young, fit and healthy. We have to think positively.”
She pressed her cheek to his pounding heart. “When he pointed that gun at me—” A shudder wracked her body. “I have to tell you something.”
Tensing, he tried to pull away and look at her, but she wouldn’t budge. “Liv?”
“Blaming you for Derek’s decisions was wrong. I don’t hold you accountable. I want you to know that.”
His hands slid up her back, pressing her closer. “You and I weren’t exactly close when I made that ill-conceived promise. I regret hurting you.”
Olivia angled her head up and met his emotion-charged perusal. “Friends again?”
“You have my friendship, always.”
Friendship should’ve been enough. Mere weeks ago, it would’ve been. But she couldn’t focus on that. Her past mistakes proved she couldn’t trust her judgment when it came to matters of the heart.
* * *
When they were told that Erin wouldn’t be out of surgery for a while, Olivia suggested they go to the hospital chapel. They prayed aloud together, a first for Brady. He’d taken part in his church’s Bible study groups, of course, but praying with another person—Olivia in particular—was a more intimate experience. He was deeply grateful she’d had a change of heart. He’d borne the disappointment of others, but Olivia’s had been gut-wrenching.
They left the chapel and were greeted by Corporal Baker. He almost didn’t recognize her in her civilian clothes.
“Captain. Olivia. I got your text as I was leaving the base.” Her expression somber, she lifted a white paper sack. “I brought sandwiches from my favorite deli.”
“That was thoughtful of you,” Olivia told her.
“Please, call me Brady.”
“Yes, sir. I mean, I’ll try.”
“We were heading upstairs to the waiting area,” Olivia said. “Come with us.”
On the elevator, she inquired after Erin’s condition.
“She’s in surgery. We haven’t received any updates.”
When they’d reached the correct floor, Brady purchased sodas from the vending machine and joined the women in the deserted waiting area. Olivia received a phone call from her mom midway through their meal. He was able to see her through the window to the hallway.
“Does she know how you feel?”
He set down his sub sandwich and deliberately wiped his fingers with a napkin. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
“I thi
nk you do.” Cat’s gaze was frank and appraising. “But it’s none of my business. Forget I said anything. I’ve never been good at keeping my thoughts to myself.”
Brady sat back in his chair and took a long draw on his soda. His feelings for Olivia weren’t up for discussion. “She said you’re new to the area. I’ve got a couple of buddies stationed in Okinawa.” He rattled them off.
Her gaze skittering away, she tapped the table with her folded napkin. “I don’t recognize the names.”
“They love island life and aren’t eager to return stateside. Were you sorry to leave?”
“Not at all. In fact, I hope to avoid that place in the future.” Scooting her chair back, she stood and dropped the now crushed napkin into the empty sack. “I’m in the mood for something sweet. The cafeteria or gift shop should have something appetizing. Can I get you a candy bar? Ice cream?”
“No, thanks.”
Olivia returned moments later. “Cat was in a hurry. Is she leaving?”
“She’s on the hunt for a sugar fix. Did she talk to you about her last duty station?”
She resumed her seat across from him. “No, but I get the feeling something tainted her experience there.”
“I think you may be right.”
“Cat’s been an unexpected source of support.”
“Seems as though she could use a friend like you.” He finished off his sandwich and placed the wrapper in the sack. “How’s your mom?”
“Worried out of her mind. We spoke for hours last night. I told her everything.”
“Everything?”
Her eyes darkened. “I left out the part about me being married to an imposter. That’s not something you tell someone over the phone.”
“Understandable. That must’ve been difficult for her.”
“She insisted I come home. When I refused, she switched tactics and told me to go to Charleston. My aunt and uncle have a small vacation cottage there. I’ve got to admit, the idea has merit.”
The thought of her leaving Jacksonville for any length of time filled him with dread. “You’d be more vulnerable in a new place.”