Chase the Storm

by Geri Foster

  Chase the Storm

  Storm Warning Series, Book 2

  Geri Foster

  Contents

  The Storm Warning Series

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Author’s Note

  Also by Geri Foster

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2018 Geri Foster

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  The Storm Warning Series

  Fear the Storm

  Chase the Storm

  Perfect Storm

  Ride the Storm

  I Am the Storm

  Brave the Storm

  Inside the Storm

  Eye of the Storm

  Embrace the Storm

  Chapter 1

  “I hate this,” Kendall Cochran said, sounding like a two-year-old even to her own ears. “I feel so indecisive and vulnerable. Why? I’ve known Marcus all my life.”

  “You may have known Marcus, even carried a little crush on him in grade school, but now your relationship is transforming. You’re testing the waters, seeing if it could grow to the next level, and it’s scary,” her best friend, Rachel Snyder, said.

  True. She had had a youthful, innocent crush on him back in the day, but that was when they were kids. In the fifth grade, and for a few years after that, she’d had a thing for Marcus Matthews. What kind of thing, she failed to completely understand. They had been so young, and there were so many things keeping it from becoming anything more than a crush. It all really went to the wayside when they were teenagers and she’d caught the eye of Bobby Joe Cochran. They’d had a whirlwind romance and had gotten married when she was just seventeen and he nineteen. She was ashamed to admit it, but her friendship with Marcus got pushed aside when Bobby Joe entered her life.

  A lot had definitely happened since then, and the fake bravado she’d crafted to protect herself wasn’t serving her well today. Instead, she felt more insecure than ever.

  “I’ve fallen back to my teenage years and I’m as nervous as a soon to be bride getting her hair cut.” She’d made that mistake and knew how it felt when it didn’t go as planned.

  Still at her shop, The Hair Pin Beauty Salon, she glanced at the clock on the wall. Only two hours and Marcus would be knocking at her door and she still didn’t know exactly how she felt. However, she did want to see him, spend time in his presence, and see if maybe there could be something more than friendship there.

  “That’s perfectly normal,” Rachel said in a calm, nurturing tone. Since when did she become the voice of reason? Kendall thought that job was hers. “You haven’t been on a single date since your divorce five years ago. You’re bound to be a little panicky. Just take deep breaths and realize nothing is going to happen you don’t want.”

  “It’s not just the date, I mean, it’s Marcus, a friend. Do I really like him in a dating kind of way? Sure, when we were kids I did, but that is so different! Can I look at him now and think, ‘you are so hot’! Will that be weird? He’s been in the ‘friend’ box a long time, Rachel. How do I let him out?”

  Rachel laughed, and she didn’t like the sound. She struggled enough without being made fun of. Straightening her spine and sucking in a calming breath, she struggled to get her confidence back. She could do this. She would do this.

  “This isn’t you,” Rachel’s voice grew stronger and louder with a determination Kendall longed to have again. “You’re a strong woman who has managed to piece her life back together after marrying the wrong guy shattered everything. Believe me, you can do this. Just stop thinking about all that can go wrong and consider what can go right.”

  Kendall stopped nibbling her bottom lip and stilled. Rachel was right. Hadn’t she divorced Bobby Joe and made a life for herself? If she could do all that, she could handle a stinking date.

  Her face warmed. Why describe a date with Marcus as stinking? There was nothing stinking about Marcus. No, it was just her fears of getting out there again and the possibility of ruining a relationship she had come to depend on over the past five years. Even so, she planned to put a safety net in place. After years of abuse, that’s how she dealt with things that might hurt and threaten her way of life. She hardened herself and created an escape route to safety.

  “Thanks Rachel, I can take it from here.”

  She hung up and turned to the mirrored wall in her salon. Before her stood a woman who’d walked through the fires of hell and came out on the other side with a few scars, but her sanity intact.

  Nothing beat Bobby Joe when it came to scary, and she’d taken care of him.

  With renewed determination, she stubbornly put her fears aside and sent Marcus a text on what time she’d be ready for their date. Creating her exit, she suggested they meet up during happy hour at The Night Life bar in Denton. That way, if things became awkward, they’d only be uncomfortable about an hour.

  Since Rachel had returned to Rainwater and reconnected with her ex-boyfriend, Sheriff Lucas Quinn, the four had been hanging out a lot lately. She had her suspicions that Rachel had something to do with the whole foursome gang, but even so, it was nice getting to spend more time with Marcus. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed their friendship over the years.

  Still, it was strange how Rachel rarely missed an opportunity to encourage her to loosen up, let life happen and give Marcus a chance. She would do that, because Marcus really was a great guy, but she simply couldn’t surrender all. Not right now. Deep inside she wondered if she’d ever be a hundred percent whole again.

  She locked up her shop, got in her oven-temperature car and headed home. The whole while, she tried ignoring her shaky palms, the perspiration on her upper lip, and the dampness of her silk shirt. She could do this. After all, she and Marcus had been good friends since the fourth grade. Even if there were no sparks, there would still be good conversation. What could possibly go wrong?

  Never one to be late, Marcus showed up right on time.

  Tonight marked their first solo date and, after an hour together, they both seemed to be enjoying the evening and having a nice time. It had been years since Kendall’s heart had been about to pound out of her chest with a mixture of nerves and excitement. The feeling surprised her, but it was a good surprise. Maybe there is something here?

  Looking at his neatly combed black hair and mysterious dark eyes, that crush she’d had on him in the fifth grade started waking up again. Thinking back, she remembered feeling, even at her young age, that her ambition towards Marcus was fruitless. Back then it had felt like he stood so far out of her league, he’d resided in another galaxy. Her stomach sank as she realized, after everything that had happened with Bobby Joe, that fact was more true than ever. Marcus was way too good a guy for her.

  Leaving the bar after several dri
nks and a couple of appetizers, the sweltering July evening didn’t tamper her good mood. Being a native Texan, she didn’t mind the scorching heat at all. Especially not while hanging on to Marcus’ arm, inhaling his spicy cologne. She’d been hesitant about the evening, but Marcus proved to be the perfect date. Kind, thoughtful, and smart, not to mention drop dead gorgeous, which was something she finally allowed herself to recognize. A touch of dizziness washed over her and temporarily blurred her vision. Goodness, maybe the mixture of the heat and margaritas had gone to her head.

  Kendall tightened her grip on his arm. He didn’t seem to mind her closeness and when he reached over with his empty palm and cupped her hand, she realized he actually encouraged it. To be honest, he flattered her with so much attention, she felt giddy as a teenager. Marcus had to be the nicest guy in Rainwater.

  When he’d first asked her out, she wasn’t sure how she felt. She’d automatically questioned why someone of his caliber would be interested in her. She still wasn’t sure the second, third, and fourth times he’d asked. In fact, it wasn’t until Rachel convinced her Marcus had a real crush on her and seriously wanted to take her on a date that she finally relented.

  She had to admit, he intimidated the hell out of her and she struggled to be on her best behavior, to keep her shield down. No smart mouthing or sarcasm, and she put her know-it-all attitude in the freezer on hold.

  The date was going well, and he said all the right things, but still, it proved to be difficult to get past the point of him being a successful lawyer with a fancy Yale degree and she a hairdresser struggling to run her own business. Their differences kept popping into her head. It was fine for friends, but lovers? How would that work? Whatever could they have in common anymore? It wasn’t as easy as when you were a kid and playing on the playground was the height of sophistication. Sure, they’d known each other practically from birth and their parents were also good friends. Plus, he’d always been nice to her. She just couldn’t help but feel like he’d stepped way out of her league.

  But he didn’t seem to think so, did he? That’s what put her usual bluster on hold, kept her from making a joke of the situation in order to keep her heart from getting hurt. She had a feeling he saw right through the guise for what it was—a protective shield to keep pain at bay.

  When they pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex, she made a decision. Tomorrow, being Saturday, she had a full day of work to look forward to at the beauty salon, but since he’d been an expert at putting her at ease, she didn’t want the evening to end. No harm in them enjoying a glass of wine before saying goodnight—without the hint of anything more.

  Letting out a quick breath, she turned to him. “Would you like to come in for a drink?”

  “Sure.”

  Kendall put her key in the lock and twisted the knob. Glancing back at him, she smiled. When she shoved the door open, she gasped and stumbled backwards, bumping against his powerful chest. Her small apartment, normally organized and pristine to the point of obsession, looked like a tornado had passed through it.

  Furniture was turned upside down, sofa pillows tossed, a lamp broken and shattered on the carpeted floor, and empty drawers slung all over the place. Couch cushions were stacked haphazardly on the coffee table. And her kitchen? Well, that would never be the same again.

  Mortification turned to anger as she stood stock still, practically stapled to the floor.

  Someone had the nerve to break into her apartment.

  The realization hit her like a wild West Texas wind. People didn’t do this in Rainwater. It simply didn’t happen. Especially to her after all the security precautions she’d taken. Being a single, working woman running a small business she had to be careful. She had nothing of value in the apartment to entice anyone to break in.

  So why had this happened?

  Marcus stepped in front of her, putting her safely behind him. “Stay here,” he whispered. “Call Lucas.”

  She immediately complied and stayed against his back.

  From the corner of her eye she spotted movement. A thump sounded to her left and when she turned, she immediately recognized Bobby Joe, her ex-husband.

  “What are you doing here?” Kendall demanded, careful to keep her voice a lot calmer than she felt. “You don’t belong here.” She pointed to the living room. “Did you do this?”

  “I need something you have.” He took a dangerous step forward. “And I want it now.”

  “What?” She circled to his right, preventing him from getting too close. As cowardly as it might seem, she knew defensively to keep Marcus between them.

  “You’ve got the thumb drive and I need it. Now! Don’t screw with me, Kendall. I’m not in the mood.”

  Marcus knocked Bobby Joe’s hands aside as he reached for her. “Stay where you are, Cochran. Lucas is on the way.”

  “I don’t give a damn,” he snarled. “I just want what belongs to me.”

  Confusion settled in Kendall’s mind. She shook her head in desperation. “Bobby Joe, I don’t have anything that’s yours. When we split you went through everything and took what you wanted.”

  “I hid the thumb drive in a shoebox in your closet. I didn’t think it was important at the time, but now it’s sort of an insurance policy, for personal security. And I need it. I’ve got to get my hands on that evidence or they’ll kill me for sure.”

  She stumbled backwards until she hit the wall. “Who? Why?” She tripped over a broken end table and fell. The past having taught her being on the floor rarely worked in her favor, she quickly and clumsily scrambled to her feet. “What are you talking about? Who wants what?” She shook her head. “You’re not making sense.”

  “Dangerous people. My life is on the line here.” He held out his hand. “Give it to me.” When she didn’t move fast enough, he charged.

  Within seconds he had her trapped against the wall, his hands around her throat squeezing with all his strength. She gasped, her nails clawing at his hands. Panic set in and Kendall wondered if he really intended to murder her. She kicked out, her foot connecting with his shin. He howled but didn’t release her.

  No, no. no. This is just like last time! He’s going to try to kill me!

  His grip tightened as dark spots danced before her eyes.

  Marcus jumped on Bobby Joe’s back and knocked him down to the floor, only for him to bounce back up. She immediately grabbed her throat and gasped for air. Since Marcus outweighed Bobby Joe by twenty pounds and stood a good three inches taller, it didn’t take much for him to sling him to the other side of the room.

  Marcus straightened his suit jacket and pointed to the door. “Get out. This is your last warning.”

  Bobby Joe ignored his threats, turning to her. “Tell me now, Kendall, or you’ll die before I do.”

  “I haven’t seen a thumb drive.” She rubbed her neck, trying to keep her teeth from chattering. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Bobby Joe pulled a gun from the back of his waistband where it had been hidden beneath his tattered tee shirt.

  To protect her, Marcus put himself between her and danger. She admired his chivalry but knew how useless it would be if Bobby Joe decided to shoot. Kendall blinked and suddenly her ex swung the weapon and hit Marcus hard enough for the sound of the impact to reverberate across the room. He went down, cradling his head, groaning.

  It was clear Bobby Joe intended to kill her and Marcus. She had to get away, get help. Her life, and Marcus’, depended on how swiftly she moved. With all her strength, she pulled back her leg and shot it forward, hitting Bobby Joe in the groin with her foot. She grabbed a nearby figurine and smashed it against his skull.

  He might kill her, but she planned to make him work for it.

  He cussed before crumbling to the floor, clutching his injured parts. She bound over his prone body and ran for the door. She managed to reach the porch, and hopefully freedom, before he grabbed her by the hair and flung her back inside. She fell hard
on the floor and struggled to get to her feet.

  Bobby Joe kicked the door close with a growl, blood trickling down the side of his face. Crawling backwards on her elbows, she dug in her heels and frantically tried to get out of his reach.

  “Listen to me,” she growled. “I don’t know a damn thing about a thumb drive. I’ve never seen it and you know if I had it I’d cough it up. You’re just being a pisser and looking for a good fight.”

  He reared back his fist. “Stop lying, Kendall, and tell me where it’s at.”

  The wild look in his eyes told her he’d come there fully prepared to kill her if necessary. Desperation had a tight hold on Bobby Joe and wouldn’t be letting go anytime soon. And talking wouldn’t make this go away. Not by a long shot. She had no ability to reason with him. He’d moved beyond rationality. So out of his mind with desperation, he’d do anything to achieve his goal.

  Where could that thumb drive be? Not in a shoebox. That, she knew, because she didn’t have any shoeboxes. If she had it, she’d gladly give it up just to stay alive. Scooting, she braced her back against the wall. Bobby Joe stalked toward her, murder in his once loving eyes.

  How had she ever cared for this man?

  Standing in front of her, he grabbed her by the collar of her shirt and yanked her to her feet. The tearing of the cotton material shrieked through the room. “Stop messing with me. I have to have that thumb drive and you have it.”

  “No, I don’t,” she spit out, gritting her teeth. “You’ve searched my apartment and didn’t find it. Isn’t that proof it’s not here?”

  “You’re hiding it.”