Beyond Power

by Connie Mann

  The clock on the wall ticked loudly. She did not want him to know the mention of Nate’s name still made her want to throw up, but that was her problem. She swallowed hard. “His name was Nate, but I think he’s left the area. Nothing came up in my online searches or local gossip.”

  Josh went outside and came back with his FWC laptop. He clicked several keys and said, “Last name?”

  “Hamm.”

  “Middle name?”

  “No idea.”

  He tapped a few more keys. “I see a birth certificate for a Nathan Ezekiel Hamm, born in North Carolina. No death certificate. Nate was a survivalist type, like your family?”

  Delilah nodded and forced a neutral expression.

  “We’ll track down his last known address. Do you know who Mary’s supposed to marry?”

  “Not yet, but Kimberly is trying to find out. Did my truck survive the fire?”

  “It did, but you obviously can’t go cruising around town in it. Give me a few minutes to clean up, and we’ll start putting the pieces in place. That’s the backstory we came up with.” He nodded toward a sheaf of papers on the counter.

  “What’s the plan? And if you say I’m supposed to hide out here, we’re going to have a serious problem. This is my sister. I’m not sitting on the sidelines.”

  He let out a long sigh. “Oh man. Now we’ll have to come up with a new plan.”

  As she tossed her crumpled napkin at him, she noticed the twinkle in his eyes.

  “My parents have offered the use of their camper, since Mom’s not well enough to travel yet, and we’re going to set it up in the forest. You and I will pose as a married couple looking to get involved with a local militia. We’ll try to find Mary and also try to figure out who’s after you. And hopefully, we’ll find out who killed Robert Black and whether the guns and money you saw are part of this, too.”

  “You think a local militia is involved?” Was that the alliance Mary mentioned?

  “We’re not sure, but it looks like Black had ties to a local group. We’ll tug on those connections and see what pulls loose.” He pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her waist. “We’ll figure it out.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  Delilah leaned into his touch. She still felt disoriented and slightly groggy from last night, with the worst sore throat she’d had in her life, so it took a minute before the rest of his words sank in. They’d be living together, in a small camper.

  Could she keep him at arm’s length to protect her heart?

  Maybe the bigger question was whether she wanted to.

  * * *

  While Delilah changed into some clothes Fish and Charlee had brought over, Josh fought to corral his wayward thoughts, but all he could think about was how much he liked the feel of her in his arms. And the fact that they’d be living together.

  Pete and Hunter and even Charlee had warned him to keep his distance, but it was too late. Though he’d been prepared, even eager to spend his life with Elaine, he’d never felt this primal, bone-deep need to protect like he did with Delilah. And it wasn’t as though she wanted protecting. He snorted. Dang woman got all huffy about him getting in her way. His determined Xena warrior with the sad eyes had burrowed under all his defenses and stripped him bare. She made him want to take her to bed and love her forever. His body tightened at the thought of finally running his hands over every inch of her soft skin, while his heart shoved thoughts of the L word firmly away. He didn’t have time for all this touchy-feely nonsense. Or to think about her hot body. If he wanted to explore what was between them, he had to keep her alive long enough to do it.

  Chapter 18

  Delilah studied her reflection in the bedroom mirror. The clothing that Fish had brought was disorienting. The shapeless Laura Ashley–style dress looked just like the ones Mama used to make for her and Mary. The soft cotton slid over the raw places on her skin and felt as confining as it had when she was a child. She’d never belonged in that world. She was going back, but Josh would be right beside her this time.

  She smoothed the front of the dress and straightened her shoulders. She used a piece of pantyhose to secure her hair, then pulled a blond wig over it. After she added the clear horn-rimmed spectacles, even she didn’t recognize herself.

  When she walked into the kitchen, Josh’s jaw dropped and made her laugh. “Kind of a cross between Annie Oakley and the Waltons, right?”

  He blinked several times, and the dimple popped out on his cheek when he grinned. “Wow. I can’t believe how different you look. Nobody is going to recognize you.”

  “That’s the idea.” Nobody had recognized her until now, either. But that wasn’t her biggest concern. When he turned toward the door, she gripped his arm, tight. “I know you said you’d try to keep Mary out of any official fallout, but I need something more. I want your word, right now, that no matter what happens to me or how this all ends, you will stop the wedding and make sure Mary is safe.”

  He cocked his head. “I told you I’d do whatever I can—”

  “Promise me you’ll save Mary. No hedging, no ‘I’ll try.’ I want your word.” She knew if he gave it, he’d never renege on it. She had to know Mary would be safe, no matter what.

  He finally nodded once. “You have it. But I plan to help you stay alive so you can protect her yourself.”

  Delilah released the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you.” She stepped back and cleared her throat. “Where to first?”

  “There’s basketball practice at the community center, and I don’t want to let the boys down. I hope you don’t mind hanging around for a little while. After that, we’ll grab the camper and get it set up.”

  A little shiver of anticipation slid through her belly, but she focused on the first part of his statement. “Great. That way I can touch base with Kimberly, see if she has any news.” An unfamiliar pickup truck sat in the driveway. “Whose is this?” Delilah asked as they walked out of the cottage.

  “My dad’s. It’s a diesel, dually, one he bought to pull the camper. He’s letting us borrow both.” He patted the back fender as they walked by. “She’s a beaut, and she’ll help with my disguise, too.”

  “What is it with men and their trucks?” Delilah teased. He handed her into the cab, and she let out a sigh as her sore body settled into the buttery yellow leather seats. “Never mind. This is an amazing truck. I may just live in here.”

  “The camper’s pretty nice, too. Just saying.” He winked at her before he pulled dark sunglasses over his eyes and backed out of the driveway.

  Once they reached the community center, she checked that her wig was securely in place before she entered the clinic next door.

  “May I help you?” The young girl behind the receptionist desk didn’t look more than twelve, but she had to be in high school at least.

  “Hi. I’m here to see Kimberly Gaines.” Delilah flashed the girl a smile. “I’m a friend of hers.” She headed down the hall.

  “Wait. You can’t just go back there,” the girl said, rushing after her.

  Delilah ignored her and stepped into Kimberly’s office. Her friend was at her desk, the newspaper’s website open on her computer screen. The headline screamed MONKEY RESEARCHER PRESUMED DEAD IN FIERY BLAZE.

  “Kimberly. It’s me. I’m okay.” She said the words quietly, only now realizing they’d come as a shock. She should have thought this through.

  Kimberly swung her chair around, tears streaming down her cheeks. She swiped her cheeks, then stood. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  Delilah closed the door behind her just as the receptionist reached them. “It’s me. I’m okay.”

  Kimberly just looked at her.

  Delilah pulled off the glasses and took a step closer. “It’s Delilah. I’m okay.”

  Kimberly blinked rapidly, then cupped Delilah’s cheek
s and studied her for a long moment. “Oh sweet Jesus, I thought you were dead.” More tears spilled out of her eyes as she grabbed Delilah and hugged her tight.

  Delilah felt her throat close as they embraced. Why hadn’t she called? She pulled back and wiped the tears from Kimberly’s cheeks. “I’m so sorry.”

  A knock sounded on the door, then the receptionist’s voice. “Ms. Gaines? Are you okay? Do I need to get help?”

  Kimberly went to the door and opened it a crack. “Thank you, Cindy. I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look fine. You’re crying.”

  “True, but these are happy tears. I didn’t think I was going to see my friend again for a very long time. This is a wonderful surprise.”

  Cindy’s young voice sounded hesitant. “Okay. If you’re sure…”

  “I am. Thank you. If anyone’s looking for me, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” She shut the door firmly and turned back to Delilah. “Tell me exactly what happened.”

  They sat on the worn love seat while Delilah recounted the fire and Josh’s plan. Kimberly studied the wig. “It’s a good plan. You need to figure out what’s going on. And most importantly, you need to stay safe.”

  Delilah rolled her eyes. “Now you sound like Josh. What I need is to find Mary.”

  Kimberly gripped her hand and gave it a shake. “I know you’re trying to make light of it, but someone tried to kill you. And I—” Her breath hitched. “Today was bad enough. Do whatever you have to do to stay safe.”

  Thoroughly chastened, Delilah simply nodded. Kimberly’s concern, coupled with Josh’s, started a warmth deep inside.

  Kimberly leaned closer. “I overheard a couple people talking yesterday. They didn’t think I could hear them, but they were whispering about a meeting.”

  “What kind of meeting? Did they say where?”

  “I heard the word ‘militia’ a few times, and that of course made my radar twitch. I also heard something about Stevens Point.”

  “Did you catch when this meeting was supposed to be?”

  “No, unfortunately. They realized I was listening and clammed up.”

  Delilah jumped to her feet. “I need to let Josh know about this.”

  “No luck finding Mary yet?”

  Delilah shook her head. “I found her journals, and she says she’s scared, but I can’t find their campsite. We have less than a week. Anything on your end?”

  Kimberly smiled. “Your mother has an appointment with me the day after tomorrow.” She checked the calendar. “About three o’clock.”

  Delilah’s eyebrows rose. “On a Sunday?”

  “She said she’d go for an afternoon walk and swing by. I said I’d be here, catching up on paperwork.”

  “Then they can’t be too far away.” Delilah reached over and hugged her. “Thank you. I’ll be here.” Delilah put her glasses back on and said, “Keep your ear to the ground, okay? If you hear anything about me or Josh or any of the rest of it, especially Mary, you’ll let me know, right?”

  “Of course. Do you still have a cell phone?”

  “Yes, for whatever reason, I remembered to take it with me last night.”

  Kimberly smiled. “That’s my girl.” Then she pulled her close for another bone-crushing hug.

  As Delilah left the building, she was filled with more optimism and confidence than she had had since this all began. She truly wasn’t alone. They’d find Mary. And she would make sure she—and Josh—stayed safe in the process.

  * * *

  “Hey, copper, how you doing?” Donny Thomas said, bouncing a basketball.

  Josh walked onto the court, easily maneuvering the basketball away from the twelve-year-old. He shot it toward the basket and grinned when it swished through the net.

  “That would be Mr. Copper,” he corrected. “How are you, Mr. Thomas?” he asked as he ruffled the boy’s hair. “Or you could just call me Michael Jordan.” His grin was cheeky and earned him an eye roll. The boys needed to know the boundaries, to learn respect, but they also needed encouragement and fun. Josh tried to give them a little of all of it.

  “Yeah, you wish, old man,” Donny said as he grabbed the ball and shot for the basket. It bounced off the rim, and Donny went after it.

  The door at the far end of the building opened as a herd of boys came in, laughing, talking, dribbling basketballs, with Hunter and Sanchez behind them. They were wearing T-shirts and basketball shorts, and with one quick blast of the whistle around his neck, Josh got everyone gathered around and started on drills.

  As the boys ran up and down the court, Hunter and Sanchez stepped closer. “Where’s Delilah?” Hunter asked.

  “Next door at the clinic. Kimberly Gaines has been a friend of hers for years. She wanted to let her know she wasn’t dead.”

  Both men frowned. “Not a good idea, man,” Sanchez said.

  “Agreed,” Hunter said. “The fewer people who know the truth, the better.”

  “The woman’s been like a mother to her. And she may be able to help track down Delilah’s sister.”

  As the boys came galloping toward them, their focus turned to drills and good-natured teasing. By the time practice ended, there were a lot of sweaty boys and equally sweaty men running up and down the court.

  When the boys came out of the locker room, most of them smelling like they hadn’t actually showered, Josh saw Billy, one of the newer boys, sitting on the floor, lacing up a pair of expensive hiking boots. He stood and started walking away, the too-large boots thumping on the all-purpose floor.

  Josh caught up to him. “Hey, Billy, nice job out there today.”

  The boy glanced up and smiled shyly. “Thanks, Mr. Josh. I’m getting better.”

  “You’re making great progress, kiddo. Glad to have you on the team.” He paused, searching for the right words. He didn’t want to injure the boy’s pride. “New boots?”

  Billy just shrugged and wouldn’t meet his eyes as he walked outside. They had had another rain shower, and Billy squished through the mud toward a rusty bicycle that leaned up against the fence. Josh glanced at the boot prints, and something niggled at the back of his mind. He realized what it was, but by the time he looked up, Billy had climbed on the bicycle and was pedaling away.

  Josh pulled out his cell phone and took several pictures. Then he went back into the building and showed them to Hunter and Sanchez. The three men exchanged glances.

  “Send them to Byte and have him compare those to the boot prints we found at Black’s death scene.” As the squad’s resident tech and computer genius, Byte could find even the smallest similarities and clues. But in this case, Josh would bet a month’s salary that the two prints matched.

  “So how would a poor kid from the forest end up wearing a pair of expensive boots, obviously too big, that made an appearance at a murder scene?” Sanchez asked.

  “Let’s find out,” Hunter said. “You and Delilah heading into the forest with the camper?”

  “Yep. That’s next on the agenda.”

  Hunter sent him a hard look, then said, “Be careful. And check in.”

  Sanchez touched a finger to the brim of his hat as they all headed for their vehicles. Josh felt a sudden need to check on Delilah, make sure she was okay.

  When she burst out the door and a smile bloomed on her face as she spotted him, his heart rate settled back down as he returned her smile.

  There were definitely some good things about this situation.

  Chapter 19

  Josh itched to get the camper set up, but first they had to stop by the bank and then swing by Best Buy for a new laptop, a camera, and accessories, followed by another stop for clothes and toiletries. Thankfully, Delilah didn’t shop like his sister Natalie, who would have turned this into an all-day marathon. Delilah was quick, efficient, and focused, qualities he especially admired when it
came to shopping.

  Afternoon shadows were lengthening as they drove into the forest with the truck and trailer, their pace slowed by the dirt roads. He glanced over at Delilah. Arms crossed over her chest, she stared out the window, shaking her head every so often.

  “Are you okay?”

  She sent him a small smile. “Kimberly was pretty upset when I got there. She had just seen the article online and thought I was dead. I guess I’m so used to being on my own, it never occurred to me that anyone would really miss me if I was suddenly gone.”

  The words were said without drama or self-pity, and he found them incredibly sad. His family was loud and boisterous, often bullheaded, and he and his brother thrashed each other fairly regularly, so he couldn’t imagine that kind of aloneness. “Then I’m glad we stopped by when we did. She won’t say anything to anyone, right?”

  Delilah rolled her eyes.

  “Okay, I deserve that. Kimberly is awesome. She give you any other information?”

  She told him about Mama’s appointment. “I’m going to show up at the clinic when she’s there. Hopefully I can convince her to let me take Mary with me.”

  “Do you think she will?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never doubted she loves her children, but I also know she’s afraid to cross John Henry.” The way she clenched her jaw told him there was more she wasn’t saying. “At the very least, I hope she’ll tell me how I can find Mary.”

  He reached across the cab and took her hand, gave it a squeeze. “We’ll find her.”

  Pete had been chatting up his local contacts, hanging around the café, seeing what the local gossip turned up. Fish and Sanchez had been tapping their local informants in the forest as well, trying to scare up any information about this supposed militia group organizing. There were rumors here and there, which usually didn’t amount to much. But this time, the rumblings were louder and deeper and the squad—and sheriff’s office—put more credence in them.

  Based on that gossip, Josh had chosen a spot several miles from where Delilah’s camper had been to ensure no one would suspect it was her. It also put them closer to the last known location of her family. Which could be risky.