“I don’t believe you. I knew they did something to you to keep you from me. Don’t try to tell me it’s nothing, or you would have kept me from being taken. I know you.”
He couldn’t understand how she had such blind faith in him when he’d failed her. “We were ambushed, but I should have been expecting something. If I had…”
“I told you earlier, you and Halo could not have held off three armed men. You’re good but you’re not that good,” Jake said as he walked into the room obviously overhearing Miranda’s comment.
“See, even your boss thinks so. Thank you, Jake. If it weren’t for you and your team…”
“Most of the credit on this one has to go to Tex. If it wasn’t for his tracker I’m not sure we would have found you in time.” It’s what Cam had been thinking too.
“I’m glad too. I prayed that he’d realize I was in trouble. I wasn’t sure what happened to Cam, so I didn’t know if anyone would realize I was missing.”
“We found out pretty quickly. A witness called the police and they called me after they found Cam and Halo unconscious on the sidewalk.”
“Shouldn’t you be in the hospital too?”
“No, I’m exactly where I should be. I’ll be fine. It’s not the first or the last time I’ll be hurt on a mission.” He carefully avoided the word ‘shot’ since he didn’t want her to worry more than she was already.
“Did you catch Ishmael and the American?”
“Yes, and two others. The FBI has them now. We’re hoping that they’ll turn on each other. It all depends if they are true jihadists or were just in it for the money.”
“They were going to demand a ransom. They took pictures of me with a newspaper.”
Cam and Jake exchanged looks. Interesting, maybe this was another piece of the puzzle. They’d figured out most of it.
Some of it still didn’t add up. Like why not kill him when they could have? Why try to ransom Miranda again? Were there two different plans, with different people behind them? With so many unanswered questions, they hoped at least one of them would flip on the others. From what Chrissy had told Jake, none of them had said a word.
“Speaking of ransom, your father should be here soon. The FBI contacted him when you were rescued. And before you ask, no, I don’t think your mom knows.”
“Thank God. It is bad enough Dad knows. But if Mom found out she’d build a dungeon and lock me up to keep me safe.”
Jake laughed but Cam knew she was serious. He’d met Cherise Stanhope, and nothing was more important than keeping her family safe. When she found out, and he had no doubt she would, he’d be persona non grata.
“I’m sorry, Miranda. You never should have been involved this time.”
“I think I was involved since they realized I was here. It sucks, yes. But hopefully, it is done now.” Cam would have loved to tell her it was, but Azfaar was still out there somewhere and until they caught him it wouldn’t be over for any of them.
“How’s your head, Sunshine? Do you need anything for pain?” he asked as she shifted in the bed and groaned.
“No, I don’t want anything. My head hurts a bit, but the ribs are worse. Luckily I know how long I’ll feel like this.” She smiled tremulously. “Is everyone else safe? No one else was hurt, right?”
“Everyone is good. The guys are waiting outside, we didn’t want to crowd you all at once.”
“Dang, tell them to come in. I need to thank all of you. And Tex too.”
“We can take care of that. Tomorrow we’ll give him a call and you can talk to him.”
“That would be great.” Jake went out to the waiting room to get the others and Cam sat on the edge of the bed, hoping he wouldn’t cause her any additional pain.
“Are you afraid of me?”
“No, of course not, just afraid of hurting you, Sunshine. You’ve been through hell again.”
“This time was a piece of cake. When they took me, then put a hood over my head and threw me in the back of the vehicle, all my memories came flooding back. I know why I’m having the nightmares. It’s because of what I tried to forget.”
Before she could tell him, Jake was back with Rafe, Ryan, and Murph. The only one missing was Halo, and he hoped he was okay. After four years of having him constantly at his side, he was lost without his furry sidekick.
“We’ll talk later. Okay?” he whispered as he kissed her softly on the lips.
“Okay.”
“You look pretty good considering,” Murph announced.
“Gee thanks, I appreciate that Murph. You don’t look too bad yourself, considering,” Miranda answered and the expression on Murph’s face made them all laugh. It also reassured him that she wasn’t as bad off as he’d thought, not if she was making jokes already.
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Murph mumbled and looked embarrassed.
“I know. I was just playing along. Seriously, you guys are amazing. I feel like I have my own personal SEAL team.”
“I doubt Uncle Sam would want to hear that. And we didn’t do anything. Just helped out a friend who was in trouble,” Jake answered for the team and the others nodded. They weren’t allowed to operate on home soil, and they were hoping to keep the whole thing quiet.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t be too happy,” a voice replied from the doorway. Cam turned around and stared into the hard angry blue eyes of Senator Richard Stanhope.
“Daddy,” Miranda screeched when she heard her father’s voice. The SEALs made room for him and Cam stood up and moved away from the bed. When Stanhope turned his eyes to his daughter they softened, and he smiled.
“How are you, baby girl?”
“I’m fine. Really. And you need to be nicer to them. They’ve saved me twice now.”
“Yes, they have, but I’m not sure why this time happened.”
“Neither are we, Sir,” Jake answered. “But we’ll be happy to tell you what we know.”
“Thank you for saving my daughter. And yes, I’ll want a full report.”
“How about we let you and your dad have some time. We’ll be right down the hall, Sunshine,” Cam said, hoping that the man would calm down when he realized she would make a full recovery.
Miranda nodded and mouthed a thank you, as her father shook Jake’s hand. “Call if you need me.”
“Sunshine? Is that what he calls you?” Richard Stanhope asked as he pulled a chair over to the side of Miranda’s bed.
“Yes. I think it’s sweet.”
“How are you? The doctor gave me an update, but just because it says something on paper it doesn’t give you the whole picture.”
“I’m okay. Just like the doctor told you. Nothing life threatening, just a few broken ribs, and lots of bruises and scratches.”
“How did you get involved in this mess?”
“I don’t know. But it’s the same group as in Afghanistan.”
“Didn’t the SEALs take them out?”
“Yes, but you know how it goes, cut off the head of the snake and two grow back.”
“This isn’t an action movie, Miranda, this is real life. I don’t want to have to worry about my daughter every time she leaves the house.”
“You don’t”
“That’s not true. I think you should come home with me when they discharge you.”
“No.”
“No? What do you mean no?”
“I’m not going with you. I’ll fly back next week like I’m supposed to.”
“Why are you being so stubborn? Don’t you want Mom to take care of you?”
“No. I’m sorry, Daddy, but I’m almost twenty-six years old. You need to let me live my life. Why do you think I joined the missionary group? Yes, I wanted to help, but it was the only way I could get away without you guys flipping out.”
As her father listened to her, emotions spread across his face. Anger, shock, and as her words sank in, resignation. He’d never considered that she’d grown up.
“Is that how you really feel
?” Her heart ached as he seemed to age before her eyes.
“Yes, it is. It’s not that I don’t love you both. I do. But I need to live the life I want, just like you did.”
“I’m sorry if you felt that you couldn’t.”
“It’s okay, I should have spoken up sooner. Until all of that happened in Afghanistan I don’t think I realized it. But while I was stuck in that cave and convinced I was going to die, it made me think about how much I still wanted to do with my life.”
Stanhope nodded. “Do you want me to talk to your mother?”
“No, I will when I come home. But you should know, I’m planning on moving here.”
“To live with the SEAL?”
“Yes, but that’s not the reason. I have friends here, real friends for the first time in my life. I’ve had more fun in the last three days than I can remember.”
“You have friends in Atlanta, what about Barbara Jean? And Crystal?”
“They were okay, but they were mom approved, and we never did anything. Seriously, it’s okay. I don’t blame anyone. It was the life we had. I love you. But it’s time to let me go.”
“DC isn’t far from here, will you come to visit?”
“Of course, I will, and to Atlanta too. It’s not like I’m moving to Europe.”
“Thank God for small favors,” he said. Miranda laughed. It was a huge weight off of her shoulders when she told him. It had been stupid to wait so long, but it was done now. Or would be after she explained it to her mom. That would be harder.
“Will this SEAL take care of you like he should?”
“The SEAL’s name is Cam. And we’ll take care of each other. He’s an amazing person, you’ll realize it when you get to know him better.”
“We’ll see.”
“I know you already had him checked out. I’m your daughter, remember?”
Stanhope smiled. “Yes, you are. And you will always be my baby girl.”
“I know, Daddy. Now give me a kiss and then you can go back to work.”
“So this is how it’s going to be now?”
“Yup,” Miranda said with a big smile on her bruised face.
“You know, with those bruises that smile is kind of creepy.”
“Really?”
“No. Well maybe,” he joked then dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I love you. I’m only a phone call away.”
“I know. I’ll call you when I break out of here.”
“Oh God, he’s rubbing off on you already.” It was true, and Miranda grinned.
“Bye, Daddy.”
The SEALs were down the hall in the waiting room and Stanhope stopped in.
“You’re Cameron Patterson, right?
“Yes, Sir.” Stanhope reached for his hand and shook it.
“Take good care of her or I’ll find out about it.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Then he turned and walked to the elevator. When the doors opened he stepped inside and nodded at Cam as the doors slid shut.
“I’m going to stay with her tonight. Do you think one of you can get the door fixed for me?”
“Yeah, no problem, I’ll work on it,” Murph said. “Do you care what kind of lock I put on?”
“Nope, as long as it’s bulletproof.” He’d meant it as a joke, but he didn’t quite pull it off. “Seriously, anything is fine. But this way I can bring Miranda and hopefully Halo home tomorrow.”
“You got it. If you need anything else, let us know,” Jake said.
“Say goodbye to Miranda for us. Don’t be surprised if Meghan calls her later. Oh, that reminds me. Here’s a new phone for her, and yes, it has a tracker. I had a few spares from Meghan’s trip.”
“Great, thank you. I’ll get it programmed for her and she’ll be ready for Meghan later.”
Cam peeked into Miranda’s room to make sure she wasn’t sleeping.
“I’m awake.”
“I see that. How did it go with your father? He stopped by and told me to take good care of you.”
“He did? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I told him I was moving here.”
“Fuck. And you didn’t warn me?” Cam said with a laugh.
“Don’t worry, I explained it to him. I think he’ll be fine. But I can’t promise he won’t drop in from time-to-time.”
“That doesn’t bother me. They can come as often as they want.”
“Thank you.”
He leaned down and kissed her. The need to touch her, to reassure himself that she was okay was overpowering. “I love you.”
“I love you. Did the guys leave?”
“Yeah. I figured you’d want to talk. Was I wrong?”
“No, you were right.” She scooted over on the bed. “And after we get settled, I’m going to see the therapist Meghan recommended.”
“That’s great, I think it will be good for you. I know she helped her a lot.”
“Yeah. I should have listened to everyone months ago. I guess in some ways I’m my father’s daughter. Think you’ll be able to put up with me?”
Cam laughed. “Of course. You can’t get rid of me that easily. And I mean it. You can’t do or say anything to make me love you any less. So whatever it is you’re about to say, you don’t have to worry.”
Miranda nodded, and then took a deep breath which made her wince. But Cam didn’t say anything. Just sat next to her and held her hand gently.
“Okay, I hope you’re right. I have never been ashamed of my body, I was happy with it the way it was, not perfect, but me.” He nodded in encouragement.
“But after Afghanistan, I kept trying to hide it, especially my legs because of the scars. I couldn’t remember how I’d gotten them until tonight then it all came back. They screamed foul things, called me an infidel and so many words I didn’t understand. Over and over, and each time they’d cut me. I was so sure I was going to die, cut to ribbons, blood everywhere and it hurt so much.”
Tears slid down her cheeks and he ached for her. His gut twisting into knots. Anger swept through him with such force he thought he’d explode. He vowed then and there that Azfaar would pay for what he’d done to Miranda, and he’d be screaming for death long before Cam let him take his last breath.
No wonder she’d been so traumatized. Her bravery astounded him even now, and he couldn’t have been more impressed that she’d come so far without help. Every so gently he slid one arm underneath her and hugged her. He would give anything to take away the memories, the pain, but it wasn’t in his power. But he could support her, be there as she worked through all of it.
“You survived it and came out the other side. It’s all that’s important, and what you need to hold on to. I know the doctor will help you, but I couldn’t love you more than I do right now. You have been through so much, you’re so brave, and beautiful. Those scars don’t define you. They’re part of your history, proof of what you’ve overcome.”
“You not disgusted?”
“How could I be? None of it was your fault. You survived so I could find you and love you for the rest of our lives.”
“How did I get so lucky?”
“I ask myself the same question all the time.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“Miranda, you don’t have to thank me, just love me.”
“Always.”
Epilogue
Three months later…
“That’s the last of them,” Cam said as he dropped the box on the floor of the apartment that he now officially shared with Miranda and Halo. He had no doubt that Halo was just as happy to have her there. He hadn’t left her side from the moment he’d seen her at the airport. They’d rented a U-Haul to move her stuff from her parent’s house in Atlanta, and damn there had been a lot of stuff.
“That’s all of them?” Halo barked.
“Yes, isn’t it enough? Just how many freakin’ book boxes were there?”
“You’re lucky I didn’t bring them all. I left plenty behind.”
“I guess
I’m going to have to put shelves up in the spare bedroom.”
“Probably in here too,” she said as she looked around. “Hmm, maybe our bedroom too.” Then she burst into a fit of giggles. God, it was good to hear her laugh, and now he’d hear it every day.
“They warned me that you’d take over. You even stole my dog.”
“What? How could I steal your dog?” As she reached down to pet Halo, who was sitting by her side. He’d fully recovered and had been cleared for missions again. But thankfully, they hadn’t had one yet.
“Yes, look at him sitting there.”
“Me? Steal your dog? Never. And take over? Well, bless their little hearts.” Now it was Cam’s turn to laugh.
“Where do you want to start?” Cam asked as he looked around at the piles of boxes. Most of them were books and he’d have to stack them in the spare room for now.
“I was thinking in the bedroom.”
“Oh okay, let me grab a couple of boxes and I’ll meet you there.”
“Umm, no boxes, just you. I’ve waited long enough. My ribs are healed, and I want you.”
“Well if you put it like that.” Cam lifted her into his arms and carried her into their bedroom. He liked the sound of that. Halo was right by his side.
“Halo, boy, I’m afraid you’re going to have to stay on the other side of the door.” The dog looked dejected, but he had to draw the line someplace. Then he dropped Miranda gently onto the bed.
“I love you, Cam. You and that wonderful dog are the best knights in shining armor ever.”
“And I love you, Sunshine. You are truly the light of my life just like the fortune predicted.”
The End
About the Author
Lynne St. James has been writing for as long as she can remember. She has series in romantic suspense, contemporary, new adult and paranormal. She lives in the mostly sunny state of Florida with her husband, an eighty-five-pound, fluffy, Dalmatian-mutt horse-dog, a small Yorkie-poo, and an orange tabby named Pumpkin who thinks he rules them all.
When Lynne’s not writing about second chances and conquering adversity with happily ever afters, she’s drinking coffee and reading or crocheting.
SEAL's Sunshine - Lynne St Jame Page 15