“Coast Guard is on the way, Brock,” Delaney said. “We can get a ride with them.”
“Coast Guard?” the judge asked, his tone incredulous.
“They send someone to patrol about once a week in the spring and early summer, given all the party cruises and the size of our lake,” Delaney explained. “We notified them we might need their services, and they came down early.”
The judge exhaled. “I hope their boat is more comfortable than the one up here.”
“I don’t know about that, but I can promise you don’t have to lie down under life vests this time.”
Rebecca gaped. “Grandpa, you must be so sore.”
The judge patted her arm. “I’m safe. You’re safe. That’s what matters. I think I’d like to get out of this rain while we wait.”
Delaney climbed the hill to the other side of the carriage and helped Grandpa out. “I’ll get you back inside, sir.” On closer inspection, the line down the side of her face was mud.
Kurt swiveled the rifle hanging from his neck to the back of his chest. He put his helmet under the crook of his left arm and reached with his other hand for Rebecca. “Are you okay?”
She accepted his strong grip and climbed out of the lift. “I’m more worried about you. The gunshot I heard—” The trees blew gently in the breeze. The shadows moved and the moonlight hit the front of his vest. She gaped. “You’ve been shot!”
He dropped the helmet and put both hands on her shoulders. “I’m okay, Rebecca. The vest did its job. No doubt some bruises, but I’ll be fine.”
She searched his eyes for pain. Instead he only smiled down at her. She gulped down a new fear that cropped up. It wasn’t the best time to talk, but if she didn’t do it now, she’d lose her nerve. “Earlier... I didn’t fully realize what I was saying, but I wanted to clarify. I wasn’t talking about the town.”
He released a deep chuckle that tickled her ears and warmed her heart. “I love you, Rebecca.” He bent his head just enough to brush his lips over hers. He pulled back only an inch. “Is that enough clarification?” he whispered.
“I’m not sure.” She smiled as his lips met hers again.
A feminine cough sounded behind them. Rebecca turned to find Delaney ten feet behind them. “The judge wanted to know what was keeping you.”
Her face heated despite the breeze and her wet hair. “He was hurt—” She sucked in a deep breath. Why was that always the first excuse to fly out of her mouth?
FOURTEEN
“We’ll be right there,” Kurt answered. He was going to get a reputation at this rate.
Delaney held up a hand. “It’s obvious you’re debriefing.” Even in the dim lighting, Kurt could see her wink. “I’m guessing we have a good ten minutes before our ride is here if you have anything else to...discuss. I’ll let the judge know you’ll be along shortly.”
Rebecca turned back to Kurt, her face creased with worry. She didn’t need to say it. He could see it on her face.
“Your family—”
She nodded and blinked hard. “But you saved my life,” she said.
For a brief moment he wanted to take the credit, all the credit. “I think the judge actually did. He had a gun aimed before I got there, and even though I was there a second later, if he hadn’t—” Kurt gulped. “I might’ve lost you. I have to make split-second decisions in this job. I try to make the best ones, but I’m not sure I made the right one tonight.” He fought to find the right words, to do the right thing. “I don’t want to come between you and your family, Rebecca. I don’t want to cause anyone pain.”
Her eyes searched his. “And I don’t want to cause problems with your job.”
His mind searched for another option, something out of the box that could fix it all, but he came up with squat. “So I guess it’s for the best if we...if we forget what happened.”
Her eyes widened and she put a hand on her neck. “Forget? The time with you won’t be something I’ll be able to forget.” She stepped backward. A sad laugh left her lips. “Goodbyes are hard.”
He tried to pull her close for a hug, but their vests made it a challenge. A spotlight washed across the lake and rested on the sheriff boat that was pulling away from the dock. From a loudspeaker, a man’s voice announced the approach of the Coast Guard boat.
“Grandpa doesn’t want to ride this tram again, but I imagine his knees would prefer it to the rope bridge.” She offered a small smile, stepped inside the carriage and pressed a button that moved it upward toward the back of the cabin.
Kurt exhaled and his ribs hurt from the effort. His part in the investigation was almost done. The FBI would be taking over. Since the guard knew exactly where Mijovic was, assuming he was telling the truth, they would make a deal and apprehend the guy.
Now all that was left was to tell Rebecca goodbye.
One of the SWAT members approached. “The different agencies don’t always work together so easily. Heard the Marshals’ chief deputy for Idaho retired a while back and they haven’t replaced him yet. You going for it?”
A week ago he would’ve answered yes. Now he felt lost. “Not sure.”
“Nice job leading a team.” He slapped Kurt’s back as he headed down the hill.
Kurt should’ve been pleased with the comment. Except the only team he wanted was a partnership with Rebecca.
* * *
The last two days had simultaneously moved at a snail’s pace and been full. She’d decided to find a job as an accountant in Coeur d’Alene and stay with her grandpa. She’d spoken to her dad over the phone, and after he’d finished hyperventilating, he’d seemed to accept her decision. The past couple of nights had been in a hotel with Grandpa and Delaney. The last time she’d seen Kurt had been a wave from the Coast Guard boat.
“Good news,” Delaney said. “We’ve had a hit on Mijovic’s credit card. Las Vegas.”
“Good. So you’ve located him?” Grandpa asked.
“It appears so. So we’re lifting your protection detail. You can drive yourself around again and move back into your house, sir. Deputy Brock will stop by tonight to confirm your security system is working and your property is secure.”
It might’ve been her imagination, but Rebecca thought Delaney had added a wink toward her. It didn’t matter. She knew where she stood with Kurt. Getting her freedom back should’ve cheered her up, but instead she accepted Grandpa’s car keys and ran errands. The entire time her mind and heart were in a fog. It might’ve been part of the reason that she ended up letting the vet talk her into bringing home two cats instead of one.
Grandpa’s house still carried the aroma of smoke if you sniffed a couple of times, but he’d brought in professionals to clean all the furniture and carpet in the rest of the house that wasn’t being replaced. New garage doors had been installed, and there were new windows, flooring and cabinets in the kitchen. The only thing lacking was paint on the new drywall in the dining area and a dining room table. Grandpa dragged his feet on that purchase until she realized Grandma had always picked out their furniture. It made Rebecca glad she’d decided to stay with him even more.
The doorbell rang and she stiffened. She’d debated about taking a walk to avoid seeing Kurt, but in the end, she didn’t want to miss another chance to see him. Would he act friendly toward her or act like he used to when he was trying not to talk to her?
She stepped into the hallway as Grandpa and Kurt discussed the new security system. Kurt ran the system through diagnostic tests. “Okay, sir, it looks like you’re all set.”
She knew the moment he’d spotted her. His spine straightened and he smiled. “I hear you’re still planning to move to Coeur d’Alene?”
Her shoulders dropped, thankful he wasn’t avoiding her. “I’ve put in my notice, and I’ve actually started planning my move.”
“You?”
Sh
e laughed. “Well, once you start, it kind of gets addicting. Plus, I got a cat.”
“You got a cat?”
“I told Grandpa I’d pick up Queen B for him at the vet.”
“Queen B?” Grandpa asked. “You got a third cat?” His voice raised an octave.
“No, that’s what the vet calls Babette. Didn’t Grandma ever tell you that? Anyway, they wanted to show me this other Siamese mix they’d recently acquired because the owner had passed. Apparently, while Babette was in boarding, they fell in love. I couldn’t just leave him there.”
The cat, as if knowing he was being discussed, entered the room and wove around her feet. She leaned down and stroked his fur. Finally a cat that seemed to enjoy her attention. “Meet Siameanie.”
Kurt crossed his arms at his chest. “A kitty named Siameanie? With that name, I’d assume it’s not the nicest.”
“I’ll rename him Si.” Babette appeared and looped her way around Kurt’s legs before flopping into the space between Kurt and Rebecca. Si flopped next to her, and the two cats pawed at each other playfully. “Apparently he used to be aggressive until Babette came along. The vet said he just needed a good woman.”
“I know the feeling.” His eyes widened as if he hadn’t meant to say that aloud.
Her heart pounded. They stared at each other. She was momentarily at a loss for words. “Wh...what about you? You plan on going for that promotion?”
“I might actually request a transfer. It might...might be easier, all things considered.”
Her gaze dropped to the ground. “Yes. Maybe.”
“It’s been an honor getting to know you, Rebecca. Take care, but...” He pulled in a deep breath. “Call me if you need anything.” He frowned, nodded abruptly and walked out the door.
Her throat and chest seized, clenched by an unseen vise.
“So you’re definitely moving to Coeur d’Alene? This isn’t just a passing fancy?”
She’d forgotten Grandpa was in the room. So, he’d likely heard everything. “I was serious, Grandpa. Believe it or not, I’ve thought about it for years. The past few days have made it clear to me that it’s a good choice.”
“Even after everything you’ve gone through here?”
She picked up a photograph taken years ago when she was a child. Her entire family, her aunt, a smiling Grandma and Grandpa were in front of the lake. “Some of my best memories are here. I love this town.” Her voice caught on the last word as she remembered what those words had meant when she’d said them to Kurt.
“Why didn’t you go after him?”
She spun to find Grandpa frowning. “What do you mean?”
“You love him. Isn’t the feeling mutual?”
“It’s...it’s complicated.”
His shoulders dropped. “Time to time, I might forget that you’re a grown, intelligent woman of God. But the Lord hasn’t forgotten. His approval is all you really need, honey. I’ll get used to whoever you end up with...and I imagine, with time, your dad will, too.” He tilted his head and studied her face. “You remind me so much of your grandmother, you know. I’d be so happy if you decided to make a home here. And Kurt... Well, I suppose he’s a good man, or I wouldn’t have trusted him with your safety.” He sighed. “It took me ten years to win over your grandmother’s family. I’m sure Kurt can handle waiting that long.” He winked.
“What?” Her mouth dropped. Her grandma had been so close to her own family Rebecca had never imagined that they hadn’t adored the match. “They didn’t like you?”
“They hated lawyers. All lawyers.”
A wobbling laugh escaped her throat. “Oh, Grandpa.” She rushed into his arms and hugged him.
“What are you waiting for? Go after him.”
She didn’t need to be told twice.
She spun around right into the barrel of a gun.
* * *
Kurt drove along the driveway and stopped when he reached the road. He clenched the steering wheel. Was it right to let her go like that? It seemed like he was doing the honorable thing. He was willing to deal with heartache if it meant a better, happier life for Rebecca. But was that really what was happening?
He let his head drop to the steering wheel. At this moment he didn’t care whether or not he ever got a promotion. He did love his job, but if Rebecca asked him to do something else, he’d be willing. So if her family’s approval was the only thing standing in the way, he was willing to do what he needed.
He’d talk to her grandfather and her father. He smiled at the thought. It might be his scariest assignment yet. Kurt pulled out his phone and prepared to text Rebecca to see if she could come outside for a private chat.
His phone had a slash through the tower. That was odd. He always had a good signal in the area. Something nagged at the back of his mind, but he couldn’t really pinpoint it.
Kurt leaned over and retrieved the satellite phone from the back seat. No signal, either. His heart rate escalated. That was more than odd. To have both go out at the same time likely meant someone was using a jammer in the area.
When someone had first broken into the house, they’d overridden the alarm system. The guard had admitted during debriefing that Mijovic had supplied the equipment and know-how to do that. This new system had more bells and whistles, but the communication scenario was the same. It used a direct landline to contact the police. If that was cut or unavailable for some reason, it relied on a cellular backup.
Kurt pulled his weapon and jumped out of the truck. No sign of movement near the windows. He left the truck door open in case slamming the door would be heard from inside. He crept along the driveway until he reached the front door. If he was right, the door would open without an alarm. If he was jumping to conclusions, her grandfather would have another reason to disapprove of him.
He took a deep breath and prayed the hinges didn’t creak as he pressed the lever and swung it open. No lock enabled and no alarm. Mijovic had to be here, but why would he come back? Rebecca wasn’t the one testifying against him, wasn’t the one holding the evidence. It was the guard. So what good did it do to return? Obviously the credit card hit in Las Vegas had to be a wild-goose chase.
Babette weaved around his legs. Kurt tried to rein in his frustration. Really? Now? He took a step and the wooden floor creaked.
“What do you want?” Judge Linn asked from around the corner.
Kurt couldn’t see the interchange but overhearing it was enough to confirm his suspicions.
“You,” Mijovic replied. “Americans like their federal judges. They give them more protection than others. It’s very simple. You will come with me until they unfreeze my accounts. Then you can board a plane and come back to your country.”
“You want to take me somewhere with no extradition?” The judge laughed. “I don’t think so.”
“Think of it like a vacation.”
Kurt tried to take another step and the floor creaked again. He cringed as Mijovic asked, “Is someone else here?”
Kurt used his foot to nudge the cat. Babette didn’t appreciate it and ran off into the living room. Hopefully that would answer Mijovic’s question. Kurt stepped diagonally in the hope he avoided the joist areas that creaked.
“Our government doesn’t negotiate with terrorists,” the judge said. “And even if you get your money and you get out of the States, that doesn’t mean the US can’t hunt you down.”
Kurt recoiled. Was the judge trying to make Mijovic angry enough to shoot? He glided forward until he could see Mijovic around the wall.
The judge’s face had grown red. “The CIA wouldn’t hesitate to kidnap and forcefully bring a man like you—”
“What he’s trying to say is we are no threat to you,” Rebecca interjected. “You can walk out that door.” She held up her hands, no doubt in an effort to calm both her grandfather and Mijovic.
“I’m pretty sure Americans do not like accountants.” Mijovic waved his gun.
“No!” Judge Linn shouted. “I’ll go with you. Leave her alone.”
Kurt didn’t need to hear any more. He took the remaining amount of space at a run.
Mijovic raised his weapon.
Kurt slid into him at full speed, crashing into his side and shoving his arm upward. He punched Mijovic in the chest and reached to grab his wrist. A gunshot rang out and glass rained from the ceiling light fixture. Kurt slipped his foot behind the man, twisted his torso and slammed his elbow into Mijovic’s back, flipping him to the ground.
Kurt put a knee in his stomach and smashed the guy’s wrist down onto the wooden floor until he released his hold on the weapon. He pointed his own weapon into the man’s face, rage surging through his veins. It took self-control he didn’t know he possessed to not pull the trigger. Mijovic had almost taken the life of the woman he loved. “You have the right to remain silent, and I highly recommend you use it.” He rattled off the rest of Mijovic’s rights.
“Now that is what I call a home run,” the judge remarked. “Excellent timing. Rebecca tells me you used to be a baseball player. Any chance you might consider returning to the sport?”
“Grandpa,” Rebecca groaned.
He chanced a look at Judge Linn to see a teasing grin on his features. “You saved her life and most likely saved mine. Again. I suppose you’re all right.”
Rebecca beamed, her eyes misty. “You came back.”
Kurt wanted to respond immediately, but he had a job to do first. He flipped the man over and secured his wrists. “I realized that I couldn’t give you up without a fight. I love you.”
He stood and Rebecca ran to him. “You’ve already won. I love you, too.”
EPILOGUE
Rebecca rushed out of her job as city auditor exactly at five o’clock. She barely heard her coworkers shout out well wishes. It was Wednesday, which meant it was her standing weekday dinner date with Kurt when he was in town, but today butterflies flipped in her stomach. It was Valentine’s Day. They’d known each other for almost a year. A glorious, wonderful, adventurous year.
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