Tracking Stolen Secrets

by Laura Scott

  What she found was a note tucked beneath the wiper blade of Trent’s SUV. Battling a wave of apprehension, she pulled the note out and unfolded it.

  Helena, please drive Trent back to Anchorage with Zoe and Christine in the morning. I’ll find my own way back. E.

  A deep chill seeped into her bones as she realized her time with Everett was over.

  He was gone. As if they’d never worked together in tracking Zoe. Had never hugged or kissed. Had never bonded over caring for Christine.

  It was over.

  EIGHTEEN

  Everett hitched a ride with the park rangers back to his first rental cabin. It’s where he’d left his personal SUV in what seemed like eons ago. On the drive, he’d learned the park rangers had released Will Stryker from guard duty and were in the process of preserving the evidence of Cantwell’s stash from the cave with the help of forensic scientist, Tala Ekho, who’d been flown into Denali by bush plane.

  Scrubbing his hands over his face, he tried not to imagine how Helena would react when she read his hastily scrawled note. He should have taken more time with choosing his words, so it wouldn’t feel like a slap in the face after the way she’d tried to embrace him.

  He was still shocked at how Helena had attempted to hug him.

  As if he hadn’t almost gotten her killed. Not to mention placing Zoe and Christine in danger, too.

  Helena was better off without him. She was a believer and...well, despite how he’d fallen back into the habit of praying, still didn’t understand how God could love him while taking his young wife and son away forever.

  Yet the sixteen-year-old who’d stolen their lives had survived to live out a good portion of his life in jail.

  Why? Why was that part of some grand plan?

  As always, he couldn’t make any sense of it.

  From nowhere, a long-forgotten Bible verse flashed in his mind.

  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ.

  A wave of shame washed over him. Hadn’t God sent Jesus to save them? Sacrificing his son, to forgive their sins? As Helena had pointed out, who was he to question God’s will? Losing his wife and son had been heartbreaking, but Helena was right to remind him that he was here today for a reason.

  For a second chance?

  No. He instinctively veered away from that thought.

  Standing in the center of the cabin they’d left in such a hurry just a handful of days ago, he noticed everything looked the same yet also different. Not just because of Helena’s state trooper hat lying on the floor partially hidden behind the sofa, but almost as if he were seeing the place with new eyes.

  As an older and wiser man? Maybe.

  Crossing over, he picked up her hat, smoothing his hand over the wide flat brim. Helena was completely different from Sheila, mostly because she was a cop, just like he was. A cop trained to serve and protect the citizens of Alaska.

  The way he’d put her in danger was unacceptable. Yet she’d also held her own, using her K-9 partner to the animal’s fullest potential.

  Was that the reason he couldn’t get her out of his mind?

  Glancing out the window, he noticed the sun had disappeared behind the mountain, bringing darkness.

  Midnight.

  He raked his hand over his head and decided to spend the night here before hitting the road. No point in reaching Anchorage at four in the morning.

  Despite his bone-weary exhaustion, Everett didn’t sleep well. Memories of his time spent with Helena and Christine kept looping through his head like a movie reel. Helping Helena navigate caring for a three-month-old baby, sharing chores and meals together.

  The way he’d felt like a part of her family kept nagging at him.

  He didn’t want or deserve a family.

  Did he?

  The following morning, Everett cleaned out the cabin and packed his things in his SUV. He set Helena’s hat on the passenger seat.

  He’d told himself he’d only see her again to return the hat, not for any other reason. Certainly not because he desperately wanted to share something other than a case with her.

  His SUV ate up the miles between Denali and Anchorage, the tourist traffic unusually light for this time of the year. He’d occasionally glance at the hat, thinking about how to go about giving it back to her.

  When he finally arrived in Anchorage, he realized he didn’t know where Helena lived. Should he call her? Or contact Will Stryker to see if he’d be willing to tell him where she might be?

  Rather than head home, Everett drove to the Anchorage police precinct, knowing it was well past time to update his boss about how things had transpired in Denali. Not to mention, he’d have a mile of paperwork to complete. Like most cops, he hated paperwork, but it was necessary to document all aspects of the case so no slick defense lawyer Cantwell and Monroe tried to hire could poke holes in what they’d done.

  He entered the building, gave a nod to the desk clerk and then headed toward the back offices. Upon passing the interview rooms, he caught a glimpse of Helena holding Christine on her lap, Luna sitting tall at her side, while Zoe was talking to one of his fellow officers and some guy dressed in a suit. Likely the DA.

  Helena pressed a kiss to the top of Christine’s head. His heart squeezed and he stumbled to an abrupt stop.

  A wave of emotion washed over him, nearly bringing him to his knees.

  He loved her.

  The realization was astounding. How was it possible that he’d fallen in love with Helena Maddox? He tried to force the image of Sheila and Colin into his mind, but it didn’t work. Instead his gaze was riveted on Helena, her furry K-9 and Christine.

  And the possibility of a future. One he’d never dared allow himself to imagine.

  As if sensing his intense scrutiny, Helena turned and captured his gaze. A flash of wounded uncertainty crossed her features.

  An avalanche of guilt pummeled him.

  What had he done? He’d never intended to hurt her. Without hesitation, he crossed over and opened the door to the interview room. Luna wagged her tail in greeting. Officer Crowe and DA Blackwell looked up in surprise, but Everett didn’t acknowledge either of them.

  “Helena, could I speak to you in private for a moment?”

  The way she hesitated made him wonder if she was going to tell him to take a hike, but she handed Christine over to Zoe and murmured, “I’ll be back soon.”

  She stood and moved forward, Luna at her side. He held the door for them, gesturing to the main entrance leading outside. She wordlessly followed him into the bright sunshine.

  Luna walked all the way to the end of her leash, sniffing the grass with canine curiosity.

  “What do you want from me, Everett?” Helena lifted her chin and looked him directly in the eye. “You made your feelings perfectly clear.”

  That was news to him, since his feelings were nothing but a jumbled mess in his mind. “I’m sorry. I never should have left without talking to you.”

  She lifted a slim shoulder and glanced over to where Luna was still exploring. “There’s really no need to apologize. We wrapped up the case, right? That ended our time together.”

  He flinched at the blunt statement. “I’m apologizing for running away from my feelings. Do you realize how I nearly got you, Christine and Zoe killed in Denali? Not just once, but twice? Norbert was my informant. If I hadn’t called him, we never would have been tracked down from safe house to safe house.”

  “Everett, you know as well as I do that cops aren’t perfect. We make mistakes. We trust people
we shouldn’t. I’ve done the same thing.” She stared at him, for a long moment. “Think about this case. How I chose to believe Zoe wasn’t really involved in the thefts, only to have her confess about hitting Camille over the head and stealing her jewelry. You can’t get any more culpable than that.”

  He shook his head. “It’s not the same thing. Zoe is your twin sister. Of course you wanted to believe in her innocence. Norbert Monroe was a petty criminal turned informant. I never, ever, should have trusted him.”

  “Cops use informants all the time,” she countered. “Sometimes they work out well, providing us inside information we wouldn’t have gotten any other way. Other times, not so much. Maybe you should cut yourself a little slack, Everett. You had no way of knowing Norbert had worked with and, frankly, double-crossed Cantwell. My sister is the one who got involved in the criminal ring in the first place. Does that mean I’m responsible for her poor decisions?”

  “Of course not.” The denial was swift and he belatedly realized she had a point. He wasn’t completely responsible for Norbert’s decisions.

  Cantwell’s, either.

  But he had to acknowledge his own actions. Like the way he’d tried to talk that sixteen-year-old into giving up his gun. At the time, he’d berated himself for doing something so foolish, but deep down, he was forced to admit he’d done exactly what he’d been trained to do.

  Training that was ingrained in every cell of his body since joining the police academy ten years ago.

  Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t entirely responsible for Sheila and Colin’s deaths. The fault rested on the drug-induced haze of a young teenager’s mind.

  And if he’d have killed that kid? Would it not have been just as difficult to live with himself after something like that?

  Yes. It would. The tightness in his chest loosened as he let go of the remaining vestiges of guilt.

  His future was the beautiful, smart and talented woman standing right in front of him. If he was courageous enough to reach out and take it.

  * * *

  Helena was glad Everett had come to talk to her, but watching the myriad emotions flash over his features made her realize he still wasn’t ready to let go of the past.

  And she could understand how difficult it must be, considering how he’d lost his wife and son in the blink of an eye.

  She never should have allowed Everett to wiggle his way into her heart. There was no one to blame but herself.

  Somehow, she’d find a way to get over him.

  She tugged on Luna’s leash, bringing the dog to her side. Resting her hand on her K-9 partner’s head, she decided honesty was the best approach.

  “Everett, what happened that day you lost your wife and son was terribly tragic. I can only imagine how much you miss them. But try to remember God is always watching over us.” Her smile slid sideways. “I care about you, Everett, very much. In fact, I’ve fallen in love with you, only I know it’s too soon. That this isn’t something you’re ready for, and truly, I understand. My hope is that someday you’ll find a way to let go of what you’ve lost and embrace the possibility of falling in love in the future.”

  Everett smiled and took a step closer. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  She gaped, wondering if she’d missed something. “Say what?”

  His smile widened. “There’s more than just the possibility of me falling in love. It’s already happened, Helena. I’m glad to hear you love me, because the feeling is mutual. I love you, too.”

  She eyed him doubtfully. What could have changed from his leaving the note last night and showing up here at the precinct this morning? “Are you sure you’re not mistaking care and friendship for love?”

  “I’m absolutely sure I love you,” he repeated, his brown gaze clinging to hers. “And I’m happy to repeat it over and over until you believe me.”

  She wanted to. Oh how she wanted to believe him. Still, she hesitated. “What about—having a family? After spending time with Christine, I’ve realized how much I want to have a baby of my own someday.”

  “I would love to have a child with you, Helena,” he said with a sweet smile. “But I think you should probably marry me first.”

  She flushed, wondering if she’d lost her mind to say such a thing. But Everett dropped to one knee and took her hand in his. Luna came over to nudge him, wanting to play, so he looped one arm around the Norwegian elkhound’s neck, drawing Luna close while keeping his gaze on Helena’s.

  “Helena and Luna, will you please do the honor of marrying me? I’m sorry I don’t have a ring to place on your finger, but I can offer my heart. I love you and don’t want to live without you and your K-9 by my side.”

  “Oh, Everett.” Tears pricked her eyes. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you, and Luna already adores you, too.”

  “I’m glad.” He stood and swept her into his arms, the way she’d longed for since they’d shared their first kiss.

  This kiss was even sweeter, laced with the hope and promise of a beautiful future together.

  “I love you, Everett,” she whispered when she could breathe.

  Luna pressed close, as if wanting to be a part of their embrace.

  “I love you, too,” he responded in a low, husky voice. He reached down to stroke Luna’s fur. “I especially love that you’re a package deal. Luna is amazing and did her part in keeping us all safe.”

  That made her laugh. “Don’t forget my package deal includes Zoe and Christine.”

  He smiled again and, for the first time, she noticed the shadows of his troubled past had vanished from his eyes. “I’m counting on it. We can practice caring for Christine until we have a baby of our own.”

  “Practice, huh?”

  She glanced back at the precinct where her twin was inside providing information to Officer Crowe and DA Blackwell. “Sounds like Zoe won’t have to do much jail time, less than six months, so what do you think about a Christmas wedding?” She hesitated before adding, “A church wedding?”

  “Christmas is a long way off,” he protested, a teasing glint in his eye. “But if that’s what you want, I’m happy to oblige, church wedding and all.”

  She went up on her tiptoes to kiss him again then rubbed her hand over Luna’s fur. “Should we head back inside?”

  “Of course.” He slid his arm around her waist. “Oh, and by the way, I have your state trooper hat in my car.”

  She looked up at him in surprise. “Really? You brought it back for me?”

  “Well, actually, I was going to hold it hostage until you agreed to marry me.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “I guess this means you can have it back.”

  She laughed, her heart filled with hope, love and happiness. She sent up a silent prayer of gratitude.

  Thank you, God, for bringing Everett into my life!

  * * *

  Look for the next book in the Alaska K-9 Unit series, Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey.

  Alaska K-9 Unit

  These state troopers fight for justice with the help of their brave canine partners.

  Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed

  Wilderness Defender by Maggie K. Black

  Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn

  Tracking Stolen Secrets by Laura Scott

  Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey

  Arctic Witness by Heather Woodhaven

  Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink

  Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy

  Christmas K-9 Protectors by Lenora Worth and Maggie K. Black

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Missing in the Desert by Dana Mentink.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you are enjoying Tracking Stolen Secrets, the fourth book in the Alaska K-9 Unit series. This has been a fun one to write with lots of new dog breeds along with adding the wilderness aspect.

  As always, this se
ries wouldn’t be possible if not for our fabulous editor, Emily Rodmell, and a very talented team of authors. I’m blessed to be included as one of them.

  I adore hearing from my readers!

  I can be found through my website at https://www.laurascottbooks.com, via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LauraScottBooks, and Twitter https://twitter.com/laurascottbooks. Also, take a moment to sign up for my monthly newsletter. All subscribers receive a free novella, Starting Over, which is not available for purchase on any platform.

  Until next time,

  Laura Scott

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  Missing in the Desert

  by Dana Mentink

  ONE

  Levi Duke let the engine idle and rubbed his temple. Another headache, courtesy of the wreck. The headaches were probably temporary, the doctors said. He sighed. Yes, the car accident four months before had left him with a scar, but worse yet, his hospital time made him miss out on a perfect horse to add to his herd. That was the real pain of it.

  “Not this time,” he said. “We’re gonna have ourselves a new mare, ’Jo.”

  Banjo, the sizable mutt with a chunk missing from one ear, sprawled in his passenger seat and licked the knee of Levi’s jeans. The dog slithered his way under Levi’s palm until he got the ear rub he was looking for. Mission accomplished, he flopped over and presented his belly, long legs taking up more than his fair share of the room. His fleas and the mud were gone now, thanks to a bath that had been a struggle of epic proportions, his leg wound treated, too. His ribs were not quite as prominent as the day Levi had found him panting and half-dead in a dry creek bed. The dog had introduced himself with eyes desperate for help and the faintest of tail wags. Who could say no to that?

  The cell phone chimed.